Full Breakdown
Canadian diplomats in Havana: health complaints, alleged espionage and a sealed lawsuit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Alleged espionage and mysterious illnesses
Between 2016 and 2018, Canadian diplomats in Havana participated in the Global Security Reporting Program (GSRP), gathering human intelligence and, according to two sources, sharing it with American intelligence officers. During the same period, Canadian and U.S. personnel reported dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, memory loss and nosebleeds—symptoms some investigators link to sonic or radio-frequency attacks. Ten diplomats and their families filed a 2019 lawsuit alleging the government denied advanced health care, withheld information and downplayed the injuries. The Department of Justice invoked Section 38 of the Canada Evidence Act, sealing many case details.
Background & Context
The health incidents emerged after the United States re-established full diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015, a move Canada also facilitated. Similar complaints among U.S. diplomats were first reported in 2016 as “Havana Syndrome.” An April 2024 joint investigation by *CBS 60 Minutes*, *Der Spiegel* and *The Insider* linked the symptoms to a radio-frequency-based energy weapon allegedly used by Russia’s GRU Unit 29155, though the Russian connection remains unconfirmed publicly.
Data & Statistics
- Lawsuit participants: Ten Canadian diplomats and families.
- Symptoms reported: Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, memory loss, nosebleeds.
- U.S. compensation: Nearly US $3 million paid to American victims.
- Staff reductions: In 2019 Global Affairs Canada cut Havana staff by half, leaving eight diplomats.
- Hardship rating: July 2018 the embassy’s rating was raised to the highest level (5 / 5).
Official Statements & Responses
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said GSRP officers are “not covert intelligence operators” and conduct overt activities under the Vienna Convention. The department noted there is “no definitive common cause” for the illnesses and declined further comment pending court proceedings.
Former national-security adviser Jody Thomas endorsed a review by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP). Former CSIS assistant director Andy Ellis suggested Russia likely targeted Canadians cooperating with U.S. intelligence.
Criticism & Opposition
- Martin Green (former assistant secretary, Privy Council Office): Called Russian intelligence “thugs” and urged an independent parliamentary investigation.
- Paul Miller (lead lawyer for the diplomats): Described the use of Section 38 as a “great delay tactic.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Absolutely, NSICOP is designed to shed light on these things,” — Martin Green
- “We are collectively convinced that these individuals as a group sustained a neurological injury,” — Dr. Randel Swanson, University of Pennsylvania
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Scientific explanations remain disputed. A 2018 University of Pennsylvania study said the injuries resembled concussions without head trauma; a 2019 Dalhousie study suggested neurotoxic pesticide exposure. The 2023 U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence assessment found it “very unlikely” a foreign actor used a novel weapon, though two agencies cited a “roughly even chance.” A heavily redacted RCMP report (2022) found no conclusive findings. GAC’s February 2024 internal report concluded the ailments were not the result of a malicious foreign act, but offered no definitive cause.
What’s Next
NSICOP’s review, supported by senior officials, is ongoing and will report directly to the Prime Minister. The ODNI has announced a review of its prior assessment. The sealed lawsuit remains subject to the Section 38 order, with no public timetable for further court proceedings.