London, Ont., police trip for international competition in Dubai under review
Global News
A southwestern Ontario police force is facing scrutiny for its decision to send a team to an international competition in Dubai.
A southwestern Ontario police force is facing scrutiny for its decision to send a team to an international competition in Dubai, an event that saw its members training with and competing against a Russian special unit whose members are accused of committing atrocities in Ukraine.
The London Police Services Board has launched a review of the approval process for the force’s participation in the UAE Swat Challenge competition, which saw dozens of units from various countries face off in tactical, rescue and obstacle course events in late January and early February.
The London, Ont., police service was the only Canadian force to participate. Two U.S. police forces, the New York Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department, also sent delegations.
Participants also included the Akhmat unit from the Russian republic of Chechnya, a group that has been accused of committing atrocities in the conflict with Ukraine. The unit’s victory in an event on the fourth day was celebrated in a ceremony attended by Adam Kadyrov, son of the Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, according to a press release.
Ramzan Kadyrov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is among the individuals under economic sanctions from the Canadian government.
London’s police chief and mayor acknowledged the police board’s review but declined to comment on whether it was appropriate to attend the competition in light of the Akhmat unit’s participation.
“I am prepared to engage fully in the board’s review as we continue to ensure our members receive the best possible training to perform their duties effectively and safely,” police Chief Thai Truong said in an emailed statement earlier this week.
He said the cost of the trip was reduced to $15,700 from $115,000 after discussions with Dubai police, the event’s hosts.
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