A Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member has been charged with leaking confidential information, including exposing the identity of a soldier involved in covert intelligence operations. Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Matthew Shawn Robar was arrested on charges of passing secret government information to a foreign entity, believed to be Ukraine. This news raises significant questions about the relationship between Ottawa and Kyiv and the security of Canada’s intelligence community.
Charges Against MWO Robar
MWO Robar was arrested on charges of passing highly classified government information to a foreign entity. Court documents do not identify the foreign entity, but sources indicate the recipient of this information was Ukraine. Robar was released from jail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passports and avoiding any contact with foreign intelligence services or military.
Exposing Fellow Soldier’s Identity
One of the allegations against Robar is that he exposed the identity of a fellow military member engaged in covert intelligence activities during unauthorized dealings with the foreign intelligence agency. The prosecution alleges that Robar did not have the approval of senior commanders to share this operative’s identity. This action not only put the operative in danger but also gave the foreign entity leverage over Canada, enabling it to make threats against the country.
Potential Employment Discussions
Prosecutors also allege that Robar discussed potential future employment opportunities with the foreign intelligence agency. These discussions allegedly took place after Robar came under investigation. The documents suggest that Robar’s association with the foreign entity began in late 2023 or early 2024, during a project described as “unconventional activity involving sensitive techniques”.
Impact on Canada-Ukraine Relations
The Ukrainian embassy and the Ukrainian ambassador, Andrii Plakhotniuk, have not responded to repeated requests for comment on this matter. The alleged involvement of Ukraine in this espionage case is likely to raise questions about the relationship between Ottawa and Kyiv, and the $22-billion Canada has committed to the war-torn country.
Comparison to Past Cases
The military prosecutor and defence counsel, in court, stated that Robar’s actions do not pose the same level of national security threat as the case of former naval intelligence officer Jeffrey Delisle. Delisle was charged in 2012 with passing secrets to Russia and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Robar’s Mental Health
Documents suggest that MWO Robar suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is also alleged that he has not always been truthful about his mental health struggles, leading to an additional charge of “feigning disease” under the National Defence Act.
Investigation Details
Several members of the Canadian Armed Forces’ counter-intelligence unit became concerned with MWO Robar’s engagement with the foreign entity and informed their chain of command. In response, Robar was removed from duty at the counter-intelligence unit, and ordered to write reports of each of his interactions with the foreign entity. Investigators found classified information in Robar’s home and National Defence headquarters in Ottawa, leading to further charges.
