Canadian intelligence officials visited a Quebec firearms manufacturer after sniper rifles made by the company were seen in Russia, raising concerns about possible efforts to bypass sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine.
According to Global News, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service met with Cadex Defence after reports surfaced showing the company’s rifles being offered for sale in Moscow and appearing in the hands of Russian snipers. Some of the rifles appeared to have been captured from Ukrainian forces, while others looked unused and still had product tags attached.
Cadex Defence, located south of Montreal, supplies firearms to military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Company president Serge Dextraze told Global News that Cadex does not export its products to Russia and said CSIS officials visited the company to discuss how Russia attempts to evade sanctions.
Canada banned the export of weapons to Russia after President Vladimir Putin launched the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. CSIS said it has been working with Canadian manufacturers and exporters to help prevent sanctioned goods and controlled technology from reaching Russia through indirect channels.
In its May 1 annual report, CSIS said Russia has been trying to obtain Western and Canadian goods to support its military industry and its war effort in Ukraine. The report specifically mentioned Russian interest in Canadian technology, including microelectronics, satellite communication systems and precision firearms.
Dextraze told Global News that CSIS met with Cadex several times and reviewed the company’s procedures. He said the intelligence officers confirmed the company had acted properly, while also offering confidential advice on how to strengthen its systems and better identify potential risks.
The Cadex president said Russia is a powerful country with sophisticated methods for disrupting supply chains and finding ways around restrictions. He added that while the company already had strong safeguards in place, the guidance from CSIS will help improve its security measures further.
The situation highlights the growing challenge facing Canadian companies whose products may be targeted by foreign actors despite sanctions and export controls. More national security and Canada news coverage can be found at https://www.weeklyvoice.com and through the Canada section at https://www.weeklyvoice.com/category/canada.
