RCMP investigates ex-RCAF pilots reportedly training China’s air force

The RCMP said Tuesday it is investigating the issue after a report emerged last year that Beijing might be paying ex-RCAF top guns to train Chinese military pilots.

The RCMP is investigating a report that former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots are helping to train fighters within China’s air force.

Canada’s federal police force confirmed to Global News Tuesday it has started an investigation after a report emerged last year that Beijing might be paying ex-RCAF top guns, as well as ex-military pilots from other NATO allied countries, to train People’s Liberation Army air force pilots.

“The RCMP is aware of the report of former RCAF pilots taking part in training People’s Liberation Army Air Force pilots,” RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Kim Chamberland said in a statement.

“As the RCMP is investigating these incidents, there will be no further comment on this matter at this time.”

Last October, the BBC reported up to 30 former British military pilots are “believed to have gone to train members of China’s People’s Liberation Army.”

The pilots were offered “lucrative” packages of up to $350,000 (Canadian) for their work, according to the report. And while the BBC report did not mention Canada, The Daily Mail reported that Canadians were also being poached.

At the time, Department of National Defence spokesperson Daniel Le Bouthillier told Global News in an email that former RCAF pilots could find themselves facing severe consequences if they take Beijing up on its offer.

“The Security of Information Act applies to both current and former members, and non-compliance with the Act could result in serious consequences,” Le Bouthillier said.