The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), the investigative arm of the Canadian Forces Military Police, has concluded its investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of Afghan male children by Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan interpreters employed by the Canadian Forces (CF) in Afghanistan.
June 17, 2008 - A Member of Parliament formally complains to the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) of the alleged sexual abuse of Afghan male children.
July 17, 2008 - The Chair of the MPCC formally notifies the CF Provost Marshal (CFPM) of the complaint, and requests a determination regarding the initiation of a criminal or service offence investigation.
July 17, 2008 - The CFPM tasks the CFNIS to initiate an investigation.
The investigation team structure and methodology was in keeping with "Major Case Management" principles promulgated by the Canadian Police College. The investigation team was structured with a case manager, lead investigator, file coordinator and the assistance of field investigators.
This was a complex and thorough investigation, completed in accordance with Canadian police standards. The investigation included interviews of all persons of interest, a complete review of the Security and Military Police Information System, which found no reports of similar incidents in Military Police records, and analysis of all of the information collected.
The CFNIS investigated whether any service or criminal offences were committed by Canadian Forces (CF) members, including by the Military Police, in relation to the alleged sexual abuse of Afghan male children by Afghan soldiers and by interpreters employed by the CF. The investigation concluded that all allegations were unfounded and that no service or criminal offences were committed by CF members Following are the findings of the investigation:
The CFNIS is an independent Military Police unit with a mandate to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to National Defence property, Departmental employees and Canadian Forces personnel serving in Canada and abroad.
The Commanding Officer of the CFNIS reports directly to the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal.
Regardless of the circumstance or environment, the members of the CFNIS remain under his command. This reporting structure allows the CFNIS to conduct thorough investigations in a fair and impartial manner.
