Canadian military intelligence operative accused of leaking secrets was trying to help Ukraine: sources

A Canadian military counter-intelligence operative, accused of passing sensitive information to a foreign entity, was having conversations with a representative of Ukraine, CBC News has learned.

The case, according to sources, has pitted different parts of the defence intelligence and security community against each other.

Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar faces eight charges under the National Defence Act and the Security of Information Act, including communicating "special operational information" to a foreign entity.

He was arrested last week by military police following a joint investigation with the RCMP. A military judge released him from custody with conditions following a hearing on Monday.

The Department of National Defence has steadfastly refused to say who Robar might have been talking with and under what circumstances.

The Globe and Mail reported early Tuesday — citing a source — that the country involved was Ukraine. Sources have confirmed that information to CBC News. 

The embattled Eastern European country works both official and unofficial channels in requesting equipment and support to help beat back the Russian invasion.

CBC News has spoken to confidential sources who claim Robar was introduced to a Ukrainian representative in May 2024 by a Canadian official and a dialogue allegedly began about the kind of support Canadians might be able to provide in the information sphere.

The sources spoke to CBC News on condition they not be named because of the sensitive nature of the case and the charges against Robar.

The contacts culminated in a meeting involving Robar and the representative in September 2024 in Lithuania.

Robar, however, was suspended from duty the following month and an internal investigation was launched within his unit at Canadian Forces Intelligence Command.

All of this unfolded against a backdrop of tighter intelligence and defence co-operation between the two countries.

Late last year, after Robar was suspended, Canada and Ukraine signed an agreement that included formalizing intelligence and counter-intelligence co-operation. 

The intention, according to the text of the agreement, is to "facilitate even greater information sharing regarding defence and security between various Canadian and Ukrainian government departments and agencies."