The defence for William Majcher, a former RCMP officer, asserts that the prosecution’s case alleging he conspired with Chinese authorities to coerce a Canadian resident is based entirely on circumstantial evidence. The trial is currently underway in British Columbia Supreme Court.

Case Hinges on Email Evidence

Ian Donaldson, Majcher’s lawyer, argues there is no definitive proof his client was aware of the individual he allegedly targeted. The prosecution’s case centers around an email from 2017, but Donaldson maintains it doesn’t explicitly name Kevin Sun, a Vancouver real estate tycoon accused of being the intended victim.

Prosecution's Claims

Prosecutor Ryan Carrier previously stated that Chinese authorities approached Majcher after the RCMP stopped assisting in the pursuit of Sun. Sun is accused of defrauding a Chinese state bank of approximately $120 million and fleeing to Canada in the early 2000s. Carrier contends Majcher’s actions were a direct challenge to Canadian sovereignty, alleging he acted as a proxy for Chinese law enforcement.

Defence Counterarguments

Donaldson countered that the Crown’s case relies too heavily on the email and lacks concrete evidence of Majcher’s intent. He emphasized the email did not mention Sun by name, making any assumption speculative. The defence also suggested pursuing a fraudster living in Canada with illicit gains would be in the public interest.

Details of the Email

The court heard that Majcher’s email referenced a fraud case matching the details of Sun’s alleged crimes. Majcher wrote he hoped to “impress upon the crook that we hold the keys to his future.” Earlier rulings revealed Majcher also mentioned Chinese authorities wanting to use the case as a precedent for settling economic crimes quietly.

Allegations of Foreign Interference

Carrier argued that only Chinese officials could have promised Sun freedom from jail and a renewed passport, implying Majcher was acting on their behalf. The prosecution claims Majcher’s actions constituted unauthorized foreign interference, extending Chinese police influence into Canada.

Legal Challenges in the Case

Donaldson maintains the Crown’s evidence is insufficient, hinging on ambiguous sentences in an otherwise lawful email. He argues a conviction would require an unreasonable interpretation of Majcher’s words, as there is no clear proof of criminal intent. The trial has also faced legal challenges, including a ruling that Majcher’s 2023 airport arrest violated his Charter rights due to insufficient grounds. A search warrant related to another former RCMP officer’s home was also deemed invalid.