News Release

For Immediate Distribution

January 26, 2010

Lower Mainland District

RCMP respond to allegations of unprofessional behavior of an IHIT investigator

The RCMP are aware of allegations that an officer was involved in an unprofessional relationship with a witness in an ongoing investigation.

An internal investigation has been initiated. The officer has been assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the internal investigation

Media reports have identified the witness in question as being Dennis Karbovanec’s ex.

Investigators can confirm that this information is not accurate and may indirectly identify the wrong person.

There are a number of investigations that have links to the Surrey 6.

After the arrests in April 2009 of the Surrey 6 suspects and during the ongoing follow up investigations the witness was identified.

None of the evidence provided by this witness has been used by Crown Counsel to make any decisions nor has the evidence been used as grounds for any charges in any investigation including the Surrey 6.

The information provided by this witness has not been utilized by the police for any legal applications in any investigation including the Surrey 6. To date there is no information that any criminal investigation has been compromised as a result of this issue.

According to Sgt Peter Thiessen, “ Crown Counsel has not yet reviewed any statements provided by the witness”.

“The weight that this witness’s information may or may not have on any investigation has yet to be determined by Crown Counsel” says Sgt. Peter Thiessen Lower Mainland District RCMP spokesperson.