Extradition case of Meng Wanzhou

On December 1, 2018, while transferring planes at Vancouver International Airport en route to Mexico from Hong Kong, Meng was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at the request of the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between Canada and the United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/05/business/huawei-cfo-arrest-canada-extradition.html|title=A Top Huawei Executive Is Arrested in Canada for Extradition to the U.S.|last1=Wakabayashi|first1=Daisuke|date=December 5, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 6, 2018|last2=Rappeport|first2=Alan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206012107/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/05/business/huawei-cfo-arrest-canada-extradition.html|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2018/12/extradition-in-canada.html |publisher=Department of Justice Canada |title=Extradition in Canada |date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120194611/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2018/12/extradition-in-canada.html |archive-date=January 20, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-has-arrested-huaweis-global-chief-financial-officer-in/|title=Canada arrests Huawei's global chief financial officer in Vancouver|last=Fife|first=Robert|date=December 5, 2018|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001507/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-has-arrested-huaweis-global-chief-financial-officer-in/|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}} On December 7, it was revealed that an arrest warrant had been issued on August 22, 2018, by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.Horowitz, Julia, and Scott McLean. December 29, 2018. "[https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/07/tech/huawei-cfo-us-case/index.html US case against Huawei CFO revealed in Canadian court]." CNN Business. US: Turner Broadcasting System. [https://web.archive.org/web/20181208160755/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/07/tech/huawei-cfo-us-case/index.html Archived] from the original on December 8, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2020. According to Crown counsel in Canadian court, Meng was "charged with conspiracy to defraud multiple international institutions."{{cite web|title=Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou to spend weekend in jail after bail hearing adjourns|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bail-hearing-huawei-cfo-1.4936150|author=Schmunk, Rhianna, and Liam Britten|date=December 6, 2018|website=CBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208143510/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bail-hearing-huawei-cfo-1.4936150|archive-date=December 8, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018}} The warrant was based on allegations that Wanzhou had cleared money that was claimed to be for Huawei, but was actually for Skycom,{{cite web|title=Huawei exec committed fraud by deceiving multiple banks: Crown|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/huawei-executive-wanted-for-extradition-appears-in-court-for-a-bail-hearing|last=Fraser|first=Keith|date=December 8, 2018|website=Vancouver Sun|publisher=Postmedia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211010118/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/huawei-executive-wanted-for-extradition-appears-in-court-for-a-bail-hearing|archive-date=December 11, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2020}} an entity claimed to be entirely controlled by Huawei, which was said to be dealing with Iran, contrary to sanctions. According to the defence lawyer, the bank involved in the dealings was HSBC. The allegations were rejected by Meng's defence lawyer, who claimed she did not break any U.S. or Canadian laws, and that the US had deliberately omitted key information on two PowerPoint slides that showed that Meng was upfront to HSBC about the true nature of the Skycom/Huawei relationship.{{cite news|last=Pearson, Natalie Obiko, and Kevin Orland|date=December 7, 2018|title=Chinese state media says U.S. trying to 'stifle' Huawei with arrest|newspaper=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-08/market-shaking-u-s-case-against-huawei-cfo-rolls-into-next-week|url-status=live|access-date=December 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208141757/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-08/market-shaking-u-s-case-against-huawei-cfo-rolls-into-next-week|archive-date=December 8, 2018}} The Crown counsel said that the case against Meng stemmed from a 2013 Reuters report about the company's close ties to Hong Kong-based Skycom Tech, which attempted to sell U.S. equipment to Iran, despite U.S. and European Union bans.{{cite news|last=Gordon, Julie, and Steve Stecklow|date=December 7, 2018|title=U.S. accuses Huawei CFO of Iran sanctions cover-up; hearing adjourned|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei/u-s-accuses-huawei-cfo-of-iran-sanctions-cover-up-hearing-adjourned-idUSKBN1O60FY|url-status=live|access-date=December 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208071601/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei/u-s-accuses-huawei-cfo-of-iran-sanctions-cover-up-hearing-adjourned-idUSKBN1O60FY|archive-date=December 8, 2018}}

From December 7 to 11, Meng attended a bail hearing in Vancouver. She was released on a $10 million bail{{cite news|last=Horowitz, Julia, Alberto Moya, and Scott McLean|date=December 11, 2018|title=Huawei CFO facing extradition to US released on $10 million bail|work=CNN Business|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/11/tech/huawei-meng-wanzhou-bail-decision/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215174446/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/11/tech/huawei-meng-wanzhou-bail-decision/index.html|archive-date=December 15, 2018}} that was granted with conditions, including electronic surveillance.{{cite news|last=Azpiri, Jon|date=December 11, 2018|title=Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou granted bail, will live in Vancouver under electronic surveillance|work=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4749540/meng-wanzhou-huawei-bail-hearing-day-3/|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211220505/https://globalnews.ca/news/4749540/meng-wanzhou-huawei-bail-hearing-day-3/|archive-date=December 11, 2018}} She was required to hand over her passports, of which seven were listed in her court records. Of the seven, 4 were from China, and 3 were from Hong Kong.{{Cite web|last=Huang|first=Echo|title=China has a special passport for its elites—and Huawei's detained executive had one|url=https://qz.com/1530974/china-has-a-special-passport-for-its-elites-like-huaweis-detained-executive/|access-date=August 31, 2020|website=Quartz|date=January 23, 2019|language=en|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927152051/https://qz.com/1530974/china-has-a-special-passport-for-its-elites-like-huaweis-detained-executive/|url-status=live}} A further Chinese passport whose serial number begins with "P" was not listed but was later discovered; these passports are normally issued to employees of the Chinese government for travel related to public affairs.{{cite news|url=https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9141592-how-meng-wanzhou-s-p-passport-works/|title=How Meng Wanzhou's 'P' passport works|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator|date=January 24, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|first=Michael|last=Mui|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130053416/https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9141592-how-meng-wanzhou-s-p-passport-works/|archive-date=January 30, 2019|url-status=live}} The Hong Kong government stated that "Any holder, therefore, shall be not in possession of more than one valid HKSAR passport at any time."{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Kris |date=2018-12-10 |title=Owning multiple Hong Kong passports is illegal, says gov't amid Huawei exec. scandal |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2018/12/10/owning-multiple-hong-kong-passports-illegal-says-immigration-department-amid-huawei-exec-scandal/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

However, Mr Justice William Ehrcke dismissed suggestions that Meng held multiple valid travel documents from the city. Only two legitimate passports were in her possession – one issued by mainland China and one from Hong Kong – he said on Wednesday morning Hong Kong time.{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Naomi |date=2018-12-12 |title=Huawei CFO Sabrina Meng Wanzhou’s three Hong Kong passports due to name changes, husband confirms with Canadian court |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2177580/huawei-cfo-sabrina-mengs-three-hong-kong-passports-due-name |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}

Under Canada's Extradition Act, the deadline for the U.S. to request extradition was January 30, 2019 (60 days after an arrest);{{cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |website=CBC.ca |date=January 19, 2019 |access-date=January 20, 2019 |title=U.S. faces deadline to extradite Huawei exec from Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-wanzhou-huawei-extradition-deadline-1.4985452 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119232810/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-wanzhou-huawei-extradition-deadline-1.4985452 |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |url-status=live }} on January 28, the Department of Justice Canada confirmed that the U.S. had formally requested Meng's extradition.{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4900085/meng-wanzhou-extradition-request/ |title=U.S. sends Meng Wanzhou extradition request to Canada — but there are several steps left |author=Jesse Ferreras |date=January 28, 2019 |website=Global News |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204185020/https://globalnews.ca/news/4900085/meng-wanzhou-extradition-request/ |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |url-status=live }} The Canadian government had until March 1, 2019, to decide whether to authorize an extradition hearing.{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Star |agency=The Canadian Press |author=Laura Kane |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2019/01/29/meng-wanzhous-case-is-scheduled-to-return-to-a-vancouver-court-today.html |date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |title=Canada has one month to decide whether to hold an extradition hearing for Meng |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203173408/https://www.thestar.com/business/2019/01/29/meng-wanzhous-case-is-scheduled-to-return-to-a-vancouver-court-today.html |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Also on January 28, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and other officials released a redacted version of an indictment filed January 24, 2019, against Meng personally as well as three corporate entities (including Huawei) and at least one other person whose name was redacted.{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/398424076/U-S-Indictment-against-Huawei-CFO-Meng-Wanzhou|title=U.S. Indictment Against Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107232643/https://www.scribd.com/document/398424076/U-S-Indictment-against-Huawei-CFO-Meng-Wanzhou|url-status=live}} Meng was charged with bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracies to commit bank and wire fraud.{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-telecommunications-conglomerate-huawei-and-huawei-cfo-wanzhou-meng-charged-financial |title=Chinese Telecommunications Conglomerate Huawei and Huawei CFO Wanzhou Meng Charged With Financial Fraud |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201081005/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-telecommunications-conglomerate-huawei-and-huawei-cfo-wanzhou-meng-charged-financial |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47036515 | title = US files charges against China's Huawei and CFO Meng Wanzhou | date = January 28, 2019 | access-date = January 28, 2018 | work = BBC | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190128220059/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47036515 | archive-date = January 28, 2019 | url-status = live }} The same day, the U.S. government announced a different indictment against Huawei relating to theft of trade secrets; but that does not pertain to Meng personally.{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-telecommunications-device-manufacturer-and-its-us-affiliate-indicted-theft-trade |title=Chinese Telecommunications Device Manufacturer and its U.S. Affiliate Indicted for Theft of Trade Secrets, Wire Fraud, and Obstruction Of Justice |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201173157/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-telecommunications-device-manufacturer-and-its-us-affiliate-indicted-theft-trade |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}

On March 1, 2019, the Department of Justice Canada issued an Authority to Proceed, which formally commenced an extradition process in the case.{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2019/03/extradition-relevant-to-the-case-of-ms-meng-wanzhou.html |title=Extradition relevant to the case of Ms. Meng Wanzhou |date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |publisher=Department of Justice of Canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301235627/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2019/03/extradition-relevant-to-the-case-of-ms-meng-wanzhou.html |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/canada-to-proceed-with-extradition-case-against-huaweis-meng-wanzhou/2019/03/01/ab59a970-3c55-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html |title=Canada to proceed with extradition case against Huawei's Meng Wanzhou |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2019 |first=Emily |last=Rauhala |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306013847/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/canada-to-proceed-with-extradition-case-against-huaweis-meng-wanzhou/2019/03/01/ab59a970-3c55-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}

On March 3, 2019, Meng's lawyers announced that they had filed a lawsuit against the Canadian federal government, the RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The suit, filed in the British Columbia Supreme Court, alleges that Meng had been detained, searched, and interrogated by CBSA agents before being informed that she was under arrest.{{cite news |title=Huawei CFO suing Canada, its border agency and the RCMP |first=Rob |last=Gillies |url=https://www.apnews.com/8ecd3cd71ce24c40875c1fd69740cce5 |date=March 3, 2019 |access-date=March 3, 2019 |work=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304062428/https://apnews.com/8ecd3cd71ce24c40875c1fd69740cce5 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |url-status=live }} The civil claim, which names three "John Doe" CBSA officers, an RCMP constable, and the Attorney General of Canada as defendants, was issued on March 1, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/400967105/Notice-of-Civil-Claim-Filed-March-1-2019 |title=Notice of Civil Claim |website=Scribd |date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823224018/https://www.scribd.com/document/400967105/Notice-of-Civil-Claim-Filed-March-1-2019 |url-status=live }}

On March 6, 2019, Meng had a brief appearance in court where one of her lawyers, Richard Peck, claimed that the defence would be making a number of interlocutory applications to be heard before the hearing could begin.{{cite web |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/meng-wanzhou-appears-in-vancouver-court-to-set-extradition-hearing-date |newspaper=Vancouver Sun |date=March 6, 2019 |author=Keith Fraser |access-date=March 7, 2019 |title=Huawei's Meng Wanzhou extradition case sparks 'serious concerns,' put over to May 8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307001658/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/meng-wanzhou-appears-in-vancouver-court-to-set-extradition-hearing-date |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} There was heavy interest in the Vancouver court appearance, with a long line of people unable to get in to the small, packed courtroom.{{cite web|title=Frenzy of interest descends on Meng Wanzhou's court appearance|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/crime/frenzy-of-interest-descends-on-meng-wanzhous-court-appearance|author=Lee-Young, Joanne|date=March 6, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307080838/https://vancouversun.com/news/crime/frenzy-of-interest-descends-on-meng-wanzhous-court-appearance|archive-date=March 7, 2019|access-date=March 7, 2019|newspaper=Vancouver Sun}} The court's media accreditation committee was inundated with requests from reporters around the world.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/huawei-meng-wanzhou-extradition-1.5043638 |website=CBC.ca |author=Jason Proctor |date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2019 |title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers cite 'concerns about political character' in extradition case |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307011634/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/huawei-meng-wanzhou-extradition-1.5043638 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} Outside the courthouse, protestors demonstrating against the Chinese government showed photographs of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadians detained in China, and one protestor burned a Chinese flag.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-06/huawei-cfo-braces-for-court-fight-as-canadians-languish-in-china |title=Trump Comments Help Huawei CFO Cry Foul Over 'Politicized' Case |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=March 5, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2019 |author=Krista Gmelich |author2=Natalie Obiko Pearson |author3=Patricia Hurtado |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307023029/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-06/huawei-cfo-braces-for-court-fight-as-canadians-languish-in-china |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |newspaper=South China Morning Post |author=Ian Young |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2188956/non-spontaneous-combustion-yang-kuang-burned-chinese |title=Yang Kuang burned a Chinese flag outside Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's court hearing in Vancouver — here's why |date=March 7, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306233714/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2188956/non-spontaneous-combustion-yang-kuang-burned-chinese |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}

On May 8, 2019, Meng appeared before court. Her legal team claimed the Canadian government is withholding key evidence relevant to how and why Meng was arrested at Vancouver International Airport, which may have been in violation of her constitutional rights at the outset of an American extradition process. During the session, Meng's defence argued "her case should be tossed anyway because: her arrest was an abuse of process; the fraud charge she is facing in the United States is for a crime that doesn't exist in Canada; and the U.S. government's extradition request represents an 'abuse of power.{{'"}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|author=Mike Hager and Xiao Xu|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-extradition-proceedings-delayed-for-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou/|title=Extradition proceedings delayed for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou|date=May 9, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510192010/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-extradition-proceedings-delayed-for-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou/|archive-date=May 10, 2019|url-status=live}} Defence lawyer Scott Fenton described U.S. President Donald Trump's comments suggesting Meng could be part of a trade deal with China as "intimidating and corrosive of the rule of law." The court ruled that Crown prosecutors must defend the level of evidence that they have so far disclosed relating to Meng's initial detention by the CBSA and subsequent arrest by the RCMP, and that Meng may move to her second Vancouver property. Her next court appearance was scheduled for September 23, 2019.

On June 10, 2019, months of appearances and submission deadlines were agreed to at a management hearing which Meng did not attend. Meng's lawyers argued that the alleged fraud levelled against Meng does not meet the requirements of double criminality, since it is based on a breach of U.S. sanctions on Iran that do not apply in Canada. Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley argued against an early ruling on the issue of double criminality, saying it was wrong to separate it from the overall extradition ruling. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes questioned the rationale behind delaying settling the double criminality issue. Holmes set aside an early portion of the committal proceedings specifically to address the issue of double criminality.{{cite news|newspaper=Souch China Morning Post|author=Ian Young|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3013490/meng-wanzhous-lawyers-say-it-would-be-record-if-ruling-was-made|title=Meng Wanzhou faces January extradition hearing as lawyers brace for two-year fight amid ongoing Huawei trade war drama|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719080257/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3013490/meng-wanzhous-lawyers-say-it-would-be-record-if-ruling-was-made|archive-date=July 19, 2019|url-status=live}}

In August 2021, Associate Chief Justice Holmes at an extradition hearing, asked whether it was reasonable for HSBC, a large bank with risk committees to rely on a single individual's assurance about companies that are not under its control. She expressed skepticism that HSBC bank could have been put at risk by Meng's PowerPoint presentation when the bank had already been well aware of the Reuters reports. She stated that in order for fraud to occur, the bank needs to be first put at risk from a misrepresentation.{{cite news|last=Fine|first=Sean|date=2021-08-11|title=Judge in Meng Wanzhou's extradition case says U.S. allegation is unclear|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-in-mengs-extradition-case-questions-us-allegation/|access-date=2021-09-29|archive-date=October 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013233507/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-in-mengs-extradition-case-questions-us-allegation/|url-status=live}}

Meng's defence team alleged that the process of detention of Meng Wanzhou was an unlawful conspiracy between the two agencies. Her defence team claimed that the RCMP and CBSA colluded to detain her under an immigration check without immediately informing her of her arrest, and subsequently arresting her three hours later, which amounted to a conspiracy. The defence claimed this manner of arrest was unlawful as the warrant called for her immediate arrest, and had violated Section 10 of the Charter requiring Meng to be immediately informed of her charges upon arrest. The defence argues that questions asked during the three hour period, which included her business dealings with Iran, and the CBSA officers omitting to take notes during certain sections of the questioning are evidence of a conspiracy and an unlawful arrest. The Crown Attorney responded that there was nothing unlawful or sinister about the customs detention for questioning and subsequent formal arrest, and that this process did not violate Section 10 rules.{{Cite web|title=Nothing 'sinister' about airport questioning of Huawei exec Meng Wanzhou: Crown|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/nothing-sinister-about-airport-questioning-of-huawei-exec-meng-wanzhou-crown|access-date=September 16, 2020|website=Vancouver Sun|language=en-CA|archive-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001110354/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/nothing-sinister-about-airport-questioning-of-huawei-exec-meng-wanzhou-crown|url-status=live}}

The Attorney General offered to return the devices seized from Meng on the condition that her defence accepts the assertion that neither the Mounties or the CBSA searched them. If her defence does not accept the offer, they will have to seek a court order to have the devices forensically analyzed to determine if they were searched or not.{{cite news|newspaper=CTV|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/five-things-disclosed-in-latest-release-of-documents-in-meng-wanzhou-s-case-1.4607286|title=Five things disclosed in latest release of documents in Meng Wanzhou's case|date=September 23, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924130212/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/five-things-disclosed-in-latest-release-of-documents-in-meng-wanzhou-s-case-1.4607286|archive-date=September 24, 2019|url-status=live}} Forensic analysis of the devices shows they were not searched; according to defence lawyer Scott Fenton, the evidence showed several of them were turned on and at least one was connected to the internet.{{cite news|newspaper=CTV News|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/rcmp-gave-fbi-serial-numbers-other-details-about-meng-wanzhou-s-phones-defence-1.4622866|title=RCMP gave FBI serial numbers, other details about Meng Wanzhou's phones: defence|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003230923/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/rcmp-gave-fbi-serial-numbers-other-details-about-meng-wanzhou-s-phones-defence-1.4622866|archive-date=October 3, 2019|url-status=live}}

The Crown prosecutors described the defence's argument of a conspiracy and unlawful detention as a "fishing" expedition, and that the CBSA was only going through proper processing of Meng's entry into Canada, which was not a foregone conclusion. Defence lawyer Scott Fenton described this as "absurd," since "she was never going to be returned to Hong Kong or not allowed into Canada," adding that "in no universe of possibilities was Ms. Meng going to be turned away."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-charter-1.5297299|title=Meng Wanzhou 'tricked' by border officers at Vancouver airport, lawyer claims|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926231505/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-charter-1.5297299|archive-date=September 26, 2019|url-status=live}}

Crown lawyer Robert Frater said there is "nothing to" the allegations that the RCMP and CBSA ignored their legal obligations and that their actions during the arrest of Meng were "not at all sinister." He described the defence's allegations as a non-existent conspiracy. Meng's lawyers questioned why Meng was questioned about business in Iran by the CBSA, to which Frater responded that they must question about a traveller's alleged criminal behavior. Justice Heather Holmes asked what would have happened had Meng admitted to criminality during the interview. Frater replied, "He would make a decision about admissibility," The defence added that the CBSA did not finish Meng's admissibility examination before it was suspended and the RCMP arrested her. Crown lawyer Diba Majzub notes that even if a traveller were deemed inadmissible, the RCMP could still execute an arrest on the person while in detention or released with conditions pending a hearing.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/nothing-sinister-about-airport-questioning-of-huawei-exec-meng-wanzhou-crown|title=Nothing 'sinister' about airport questioning of Huawei exec Meng Wanzhou: Crown|date=September 30, 2019|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001110354/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/nothing-sinister-about-airport-questioning-of-huawei-exec-meng-wanzhou-crown|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}}

The defence also argued that Meng Wanzhou's Section 8 rights protecting against unreasonable search and seizure were violated. During the three hour period of Meng's detainment, Meng's luggage was searched and her electronic devices as well as their passcodes were taken from her. The CBSA officer who took the pass codes to Meng's phones received a 17-second phone call minutes earlier which is not accounted for in the documents.{{cite news|newspaper=CTV|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/this-case-is-anything-but-routine-huawei-cfo-s-lawyers-paint-picture-of-conspiracy-1.4607824|title='This case is anything but routine': Huawei CFO's lawyers paint picture of conspiracy|date=September 24, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927034400/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/this-case-is-anything-but-routine-huawei-cfo-s-lawyers-paint-picture-of-conspiracy-1.4607824|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}} According to an email from the RCMP, her luggage was only searched for immigration and customs purposes and the RCMP officers acted "lawfully and in good faith at all times." However, the notes show the RCMP asked the FBI if they were interested in Meng's luggage.{{cite news|newspaper=CTV News|author=Amy Smart|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canadians-acted-as-agents-of-fbi-huawei-executive-s-lawyers-allege-1.4558575|title=Canadians acted as 'agents' of FBI, Huawei executive's lawyers allege|date=August 21, 2019|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914130440/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canadians-acted-as-agents-of-fbi-huawei-executive-s-lawyers-allege-1.4558575|archive-date=September 14, 2019|url-status=live}} Documents released also include a correspondence between Crown lawyer John Gibb-Carsley and defence lawyer David Martin stating that the U.S. no longer seeks the electronic devices seized from Meng.{{cite news|newspaper=The Canadian Press|author=Amy Smart and Laura Kane|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/border-officials-rcmp-followed-law-in-arrest-of-meng-wanzhou-attorney-general-1.4606571|title=Border officials, RCMP followed law in arrest of Meng Wanzhou: Attorney General|date=September 23, 2019|access-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923233448/https://www.cp24.com/news/border-officials-rcmp-followed-law-in-arrest-of-meng-wanzhou-attorney-general-1.4606571|archive-date=September 23, 2019|url-status=live}} The RCMP and CBSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the documents. Defence lawyer Richard Peck cites an affidavit from the RCMP mentioning seizing "any electronic devices ... to preserve evidence as there will be a request from the FBI."{{cite news|newspaper=Financial Times|author=David da Silva|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e2ff5cd8-de37-11e9-9743-db5a370481bc|title=Huawei legal team seeks documents in extradition case|date=September 23, 2019|access-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923232520/https://www.ft.com/content/e2ff5cd8-de37-11e9-9743-db5a370481bc|archive-date=September 23, 2019|url-status=live}} According to Peck, law enforcement and the FBI made it a priority to seize devices, and this was done without question by Canada. The CBSA responded saying there was no evidence of this.

On October 1, 2019, Crown lawyers argued that the CBSA handed over Meng's passcodes to the RCMP by mistake and took steps to remedy this error. Crown prosecutor Diba Majzub described this as "not a deliberate action but an error" and provided an email by a CBSA officer describing it as such. The email sent from CBSA agent Nicole Goodman to Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley, says:

I became aware the passcodes for the phone were provided in error to the RCMP at the time of the transfer of Ms Meng and her belongings. ... I advised the RCMP the passcodes should not have been provided by CBSA as the passcodes were CBSA information obtained during the CBSA examination, and the passcodes could not be used to access the devices nor shared with a third party (ie: other law enforcement agency).

The defence attorney for Meng Wanzhou asserted that the arresting RCMP officers had violated Canadian extradition laws by allegedly sharing information with the FBI. On October 3, 2019, the defence asserted that an RCMP officer's notes say a staff sergeant emailed to the FBI the serial numbers, SIM card numbers, and international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers of Meng's devices. An email between two RCMP officers on December 4 references sending serial numbers and other information about Meng's devices to a "legat," an FBI legal attaché office outside the US.{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3031496/meng-wanzhous-lawyers-say-canadian-police-bookends-prove-fbi|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers say Canadian police 'bookends' prove FBI involvement in arrest of Huawei executive|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004144811/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3031496/meng-wanzhous-lawyers-say-canadian-police-bookends-prove-fbi|archive-date=October 4, 2019|url-status=live}} Crown lawyer Robert Frater produced two emails by the staff sergeant saying he did not provide the information to the FBI, and offered to produce documents from five other RCMP officers on the topic.{{cite news|newspaper=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/10/03/rcmp-gave-fbi-serial-numbers-other-details-about-meng-wanzhous-phones-defence-claims.html|title=RCMP gave FBI serial numbers, other details about Meng Wanzhou's phones, defence claims|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006014218/https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/10/03/rcmp-gave-fbi-serial-numbers-other-details-about-meng-wanzhous-phones-defence-claims.html|archive-date=October 6, 2019|url-status=live}} Crown lawyer Robert Frater filed an application to remove a report, written by a technology expert, from the abuse of process proceedings expected to begin in March 2021. The report details how an electronic device's serial number can be used to obtain information on its individual user.{{cite news|newspaper=BIV|title=Meng defence, prosecutors jostle for advantage before resumption of proceedings|url=https://biv.com/article/2021/02/meng-defence-prosecutors-jostle-advantage-resumption-proceedings|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212058/https://biv.com/article/2021/02/meng-defence-prosecutors-jostle-advantage-resumption-proceedings|url-status=live}}

All affidavits from six police officers claim they did not share the electronic identifying numbers of Meng's devices. However, Staff Sergeant Peter Lea, now retired, did discuss sharing the information with the FBI's legal attaché, John Sgroi. He said Sgroi would first have to make a formal request under the Canada-U.S. Legal Assistance Treaty. A note made by Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf also said that "Constable Gurvinder Dhaliwal told her that Staff Sergeant Ben Chang provided the [electronic serial number] information to FBI Legat Sgroi." Vander Graaf admits she wrote the note but asserts that she has "no independent knowledge or recollection" of the information that her notes indicated the other officer had given her.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-huawei-1.5343682|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers skewer RCMP's denial it colluded with FBI|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231050028/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-huawei-1.5343682|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}} Dhaliwal says he does not recall anyone telling him technical information had been shared or sharing such information with Vander Graaf.{{cite news|newspaper=National Post|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/mengs-lawyers-still-say-rcmp-shared-phone-details-with-fbi-despite-affidavits|title=Meng's lawyers still say RCMP shared phone details with FBI despite affidavits|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} A search of Chang's RCMP external email log shows that on December 2, 2018, an email titled "Re: Arrest at YVR" was sent to Sherri Onks of the FBI. An RCMP officer tasked with searching Chang's emails to Onks writes that Chang's email account was deleted when he retired in July 2019.{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6110842/meng-wanzhou-rcmp-fbi-phone-details/|title=Meng's lawyers say RCMP shared phone details with FBI, despite affidavits|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227204306/https://globalnews.ca/news/6110842/meng-wanzhou-rcmp-fbi-phone-details/|archive-date=December 27, 2019|url-status=live}} Meng's defence questioned why neither Vander Graaf or Dhaliwal could recall their conversation and asked for more documents to be released due to inconsistencies in the RCMP's emails and notes.{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3035845/huaweis-meng-wanzhou-victim-abuse-process-lawyers-maintain|title=Huawei's Meng Wanzhou victim of abuse of process, lawyers maintain despite 7 police affidavits|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111123153/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3035845/huaweis-meng-wanzhou-victim-abuse-process-lawyers-maintain|archive-date=January 11, 2020|url-status=live}} Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes granted the defence's request for the release of more documents, citing "notable gaps" in the evidence provided by the attorney general, which was "strategic in its character yet impoverished in its substance." The disclosure of documents is not required by the order.{{cite news|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/huaweis-cfo-wins-canada-court-fight-to-see-more-documents-related-to-her-arrest-idUSKBN1YE2NW|title=Huawei's CFO wins Canada court fight to see more documents on her arrest|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211145212/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/huaweis-cfo-wins-canada-court-fight-to-see-more-documents-related-to-her-arrest-idUSKBN1YE2NW|archive-date=December 11, 2019|url-status=live}}

Court hearings on the RCMP began on October 26. Constable Winston Yep, the RCMP officer who arrested Meng, said there was nothing unusual about the arrest. According to Yep, he did not board the plane to arrest Meng because the airport was within the CBSA's jurisdiction, so it was decided that the CBSA would do its work first. Yep said “there was no concern” about this process and added that other passengers on the plane created a potential risk of violence should the arrest occur on the airplane. Yep said that safety concerns and "what she was capable of", that she might "put up a fight",{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107510/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-accuses-canadian-police-officer-lying-court|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyer accuses Canadian police officer of lying in court about why he delayed arrest of Huawei executive|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212120645/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107510/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-accuses-canadian-police-officer-lying-court|url-status=live}} aided in deciding not to arrest her on the plane. He understood the arrest warrant's direction to arrest her immediately "as soon as practical," which meant taking into account police safety, such as the possibility that Meng had bodyguards since the FBI said she was travelling with a female companion. When asked if this was just something that "popped into your head today?” by defence lawyer Peck, Yep responded: "You can never assume; there could be another person. It's just like somebody with a knife. You can't assume a person has only one knife. They might have two. Maybe three. You have to always be on guard.”{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107169/canadian-police-officer-who-arrested-huaweis-meng-wanzhou|title=Canadian police officer says he feared Huawei's Meng Wanzhou would 'put up a fight' during arrest|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129172656/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107169/canadian-police-officer-who-arrested-huaweis-meng-wanzhou|url-status=live}} However, one of Yep's superior's emails to another officer described "no officer safety concerns" prior to the arrest. Yep responded saying he cannot know why he wrote that or what he meant by it. Staff Sergeant Peter Lea's email described the RCMP boarding the plane to arrest Meng, which Yep said was a suggestion. The defence said he could have easily arrested Meng once she got off the plane, or during the 13 minute window when she was waiting in a screening room,{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7425765/huawei-meng-wanzhou-extradition-case/|title=Lawyer questions RCMP officer who arrested Huawei's Meng Wanzhou in extradition case|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212059/https://globalnews.ca/news/7425765/huawei-meng-wanzhou-extradition-case/|url-status=live}} but Yep disagreed, saying that it was the CBSA's jurisdiction and safety had to be taken into account.{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107315/canadian-officer-who-arrested-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-said-she|title=Canadian officer who arrested Huawei's Meng Wanzhou said she might have put up fight, but boss said there were 'no safety concerns'|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921051148/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3107315/canadian-officer-who-arrested-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-said-she|url-status=live}} He did not think the three-hour delay was unreasonable. When asked if his supervisor was concerned about the CBSA investigating before the RCMP, Yep said no, adding that his supervisor's concern was that Meng would elude the CBSA and escape the airport. Yep did not inform the Department of Justice of the CBSA questioning.{{cite news|newspaper=Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-officer-didnt-alert-feds-that-cbsa-would-examine-meng-before-arrest/|title=Officer didn't alert feds that CBSA would examine Meng before arrest, court hears|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162124/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-officer-didnt-alert-feds-that-cbsa-would-examine-meng-before-arrest/|url-status=live}} Peck said the concern about violence was disingenuous and described Yep's notes from the day as "very sparse".{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7421856/bc-court-witness-testimony-huawei-meng-wanzhou/|title=RCMP officer tells extradition hearing Meng Wanzhou's arrest followed procedure|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212082244/https://globalnews.ca/news/7421856/bc-court-witness-testimony-huawei-meng-wanzhou/|url-status=live}} Nowhere in his notes did he write down his concerns about safety.{{cite news|newspaper=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/28/meng-lawyer-accuses-rcmp-officer-of-dishonesty-in-explanation-about-her-arrest.html|title=Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of dishonesty in explanation about her arrest|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162117/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/28/meng-lawyer-accuses-rcmp-officer-of-dishonesty-in-explanation-about-her-arrest.html|url-status=live}} Yep admitted he failed to correct an affidavit prepared for him to sign, which said that Meng had no ties to Canada, after he learned that she had two homes in Canada.{{cite news|newspaper=Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-officer-didnt-alert-feds-that-cbsa-would-examine-meng-before-arrest/|title=Officer didn't alert feds that CBSA would examine Meng before arrest, court hears|date=October 27, 2020|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162124/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-officer-didnt-alert-feds-that-cbsa-would-examine-meng-before-arrest/|url-status=live}}

CBSA officer Scott Kirkland admitted he had concerns about the impact of delaying Meng's rights and that possible Charter right issues might come up at court, but said that "we also have a job to do."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cbsa-meng-wanzhou-rights-violated-1.5780714|title=CBSA officer claims Meng Wanzhou was flagged for 'national security' concerns ahead of arrival|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028104849/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cbsa-meng-wanzhou-rights-violated-1.5780714|url-status=live}} However, he did not raise issues about the Charter nor did anyone among the RCMP and CBSA.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-us-canada-omissions-evidence-1.5782401|title=Meng Wanzhou scores victory as lawyers allowed to argue U.S. tried to trick Canada|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028143036/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-us-canada-omissions-evidence-1.5782401|url-status=live}} According to Kirkland, section 107 of the Customs Act was brought up in a meeting prior to Meng's plane landing, in the context of how the RCMP could legally obtain information from the CBSA's examination, should they obtain information worth sharing.{{cite news|newspaper=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/29/border-officers-and-rcmp-discussed-sharing-info-before-meng-arrest-officer.html?rf|title=Border officers and RCMP discussed sharing info before Meng arrest: officer|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162116/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/29/border-officers-and-rcmp-discussed-sharing-info-before-meng-arrest-officer.html?rf|url-status=live}} Kirkland claims he did not lead Meng to believe she was required to share the passcodes to her phone. He said Meng asked why he needed them and he explained that they were needed for the customs and immigration examination at Vancouver's airport. Kirkland said, "I did not say she had no choice."{{cite news|newspaper=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/30/border-officer-testifies-he-didnt-suggest-meng-was-obligated-to-share-passcodes.html|title=Border officer testifies he didn't suggest Meng was obligated to share passcodes|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825070757/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/30/border-officer-testifies-he-didnt-suggest-meng-was-obligated-to-share-passcodes.html|url-status=live}} Kirkland had Meng's phones put in clear bags provided by the FBI and placed the paper with her phone's passcodes alongside her electronic devices. According to the Crown, they were later passed to the RCMP by mistake. Kirkland said he would have taken them back if he could and that it was a Privacy Act violation. He denied that the error was only discovered after inquiries were made in January, but acknowledged that he did not add his mistaken sharing of the passcodes when he wrote a new statutory declaration on December 20, correcting some of the time codes he had provided earlier as part of his notes.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/border-officer-testifies-he-didnt-suggest-huaweis-meng-was-obligated-to-share-passcodes|title=Border officer testifies he didn't suggest Huawei's Meng was obligated to share passcodes|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162126/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/border-officer-testifies-he-didnt-suggest-huaweis-meng-was-obligated-to-share-passcodes|url-status=live}}

Bryce McRae, a superintendent of the CBSA, received a one to two minute phone call from the FBI that was described as out of the ordinary. The FBI employee asked for the phone number of the supervisor on duty. McRae responded that he would be on duty and gave the employee his number.{{cite news|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/canada-border-agent-says-he-received-unusual-fbi-phone-call-in-huawei-cfo-u-s-extradition-case-idUSKBN27F1C8|title=Canada border agent says he received unusual FBI phone call in Huawei CFO U.S. extradition case|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027010735/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/canada-border-agent-says-he-received-unusual-fbi-phone-call-in-huawei-cfo-u-s-extradition-case-idUSKBN27F1C8|url-status=live}} According to McRae, he attempted to determine if Meng was a permanent resident of Canada on December 1, 2018. He could not determine the subject's status and sought help from Ottawa. An internal CBSA email from June 28, 2018, which does not mention McRae, determined that Meng was a permanent resident since her surrender of PR status in 2002 occurred under redundant rules, and was therefore not legally valid.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3110108/canadian-police-officer-refuses-testify-meng-wanzhous|title=Canadian police officer refuses to testify at Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925163714/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3110108/canadian-police-officer-refuses-testify-meng-wanzhous|url-status=live}} McRae said he contacted the border agency's national security unit for guidance on questioning Meng and the specialist suggested asking if she had homes around the world. The defence asked if there was an explanation for why this question was asked, and McRae responded no. The defence accused McRae's testimony on the specialist's advice of being a fabrication, suggesting that the specialist instead told him to stop the examination.{{cite news|newspaper=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/2020/11/16/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-suggests-border-officials-testimony-is-a-fabrication.html|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyer suggests border official's testimony is a 'fabrication'|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=November 16, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162119/https://www.thestar.com/politics/2020/11/16/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-suggests-border-officials-testimony-is-a-fabrication.html|url-status=live}}

Superintendent Sanjit Dhillon, one of the officers who questioned Meng, claims he learned about controversies surrounding espionage and sanctions allegations prior to Meng's arrival by conducting an open source search. The open source was Huawei's Wikipedia page. Dhillon asked Meng why Huawei did not sell its products in the U.S., which Meng said she did not know. He told her he found that hard to believe and she responded that it was due to security reasons. Dhillon also asked Meng questions about Huawei's activities in Iran. The defence accused Dhillon of falsifying his report, pointing out that he did not ask Meng about controversies surrounding other countries on the Wikipedia page such as North Korea, Venezuela and Syria. Dhillon also did not ask questions specifically about doing espionage in Canada and only asked about Huawei's activities in the U.S. and Iran.{{cite news|newspaper=CTV News|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/meng-wanzhou-s-lawyer-accuses-border-supervisor-who-questioned-her-of-lying-on-the-stand-1.5195272|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyer accuses border supervisor who questioned her of lying on the stand|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811141941/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/meng-wanzhou-s-lawyer-accuses-border-supervisor-who-questioned-her-of-lying-on-the-stand-1.5195272|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7471539/mengs-lawyer-challenges-border-officers-line-of-questioning-before-her-arrest/|title=Meng's lawyer challenges border officer's line of questioning before her arrest|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023324/https://globalnews.ca/news/7471539/mengs-lawyer-challenges-border-officers-line-of-questioning-before-her-arrest/|url-status=live}} According to Dhillon, he never directly questioned Meng about the extradition arrest warrant or the U.S. charges, but said he would have gotten to it if the interview had lasted longer. Instead, an officer told him the examination was over and Meng was arrested.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-rcmp-extradition-witness-1.5804308|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers claim key RCMP witness refusing to testify at extradition hearing|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=November 16, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162120/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-rcmp-extradition-witness-1.5804308|url-status=live}}

Sowmith Katragadda told his superiors he was ready to adjourn the exam after conducting a basic customs and immigration exam, which included examining Meng's luggage and asking questions about her plans in Canada. His superiors wanted to consult with CBSA's national security unit first, which caused delay because it was difficult to reach them. His superiors then shared the questions from the unit to Katragadda. Katragadda said he does not recall what the exact questions were but that he relayed the answers to his CBSA supervisor; however, the defence pointed out that the timeline did not match up. Katragadda's notes say he asked Meng extra questions at 1:09 pm while his superior, Bryce McRae, wrote that he only reached the security unit at 1:35 pm. The defence accused Katragadda of falsifying the account.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110805/meng-wanzhou-canada-border-agent-falsified-account-questioning|title=Meng Wanzhou: Canada border agent 'falsified account of questioning', defence lawyer claims in court|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921051140/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110805/meng-wanzhou-canada-border-agent-falsified-account-questioning|url-status=live}} He then radioed Kirkland and asked him to obtain Meng's passcodes. Katragadda said that he does not recall who came up with the idea to take the passcodes and that it was "absolutely not" his intention that the police later obtained them. Katragadda said that in deciding to take Meng's cellphones, they would have been used for immigration assessment, but admitted that the RCMP and FBI request for the devices was part of the reason.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110611/canada-border-officer-says-he-cant-recall-who-wanted-passwords|title=Canada border officer 'can't recall' who wanted Meng Wanzhou's electronic device passwords|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023306/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110611/canada-border-officer-says-he-cant-recall-who-wanted-passwords|url-status=live}} Katragadda admitted that he did not take notes of the meeting with police the morning of the arrest, the collection of electronic devices, potential threats to national security, or that the RCMP was waiting to arrest Meng after his examination was complete. He denied that these were intentional omissions or that they were a concern to higher officials.{{cite news|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/huawei-lawyers-to-grill-canada-border-agent-in-cfos-u-s-extradition-case-idINKBN27Z1GE|title=Huawei CFO had resources to flee Canada, border agent tells court in U.S. extradition case|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023254/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada/huawei-lawyers-to-grill-canada-border-agent-in-cfos-u-s-extradition-case-idINKBN27Z1GE|url-status=live}}

Constable Gurvinder Dhaliwal, the RCMP officer who took Meng's electronic devices into police custody, said he did not share technical information about the devices with the FBI or recall ever saying his colleagues did. He denied telling any of his colleagues the information had been sent to the FBI. He said that he recorded the technical details and sent them to the RCMP's file co-ordinator and no one else. Notes by Dhaliwal's superior, Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf, in December 2018 say that Dhaliwal told Graaf that Sergeant Ben Chang provided the FBI with the electronic serial numbers of the devices. Dhaliwal also contradicted CBSA officer Scott Kirkland, who said that he left a scrap of paper with Meng's passcodes with her luggage and it mistakenly ended up in RCMP custody. According to Dhaliwal, the officer handed him the paper with the codes. Dhaliwal said he did not take the time to read the exact wording of the one-page document for Meng's arrest. He said his partner was in charge of making the arrest while he was responsible for the electronic devices.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-technical-fbi-1.5813264|title=RCMP exhibits-officer denies giving Meng Wanzhou's computer info to FBI|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023307/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-technical-fbi-1.5813264|url-status=live}} Dhaliwal said he could not see why Meng could not have been arrested as she walked off the plane and had the CBSA examination once she had been cautioned of her rights.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-arrest-extradition-rcmp-1.5815170|title=RCMP supervisor claims she saw no problem with delay in arrest of Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023257/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-arrest-extradition-rcmp-1.5815170|url-status=live}}

Ben Chang, a retired RCMP staff sergeant involved in email conversations with Sherri Onks, the legal attaché in Vancouver for the FBI, refused to testify at Meng's extradition hearing after seeking council from a lawyer. According to RCMP staff sergeant Janelle Shoihet, Ben Chang was not legally required to attend the proceedings.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/huawei-executive-mengs-lawyer-concerned-about-ex-mounties-refusal-to-testify|title=Huawei executive Meng's lawyer concerned about ex-Mountie's refusal to testify|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162122/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/huawei-executive-mengs-lawyer-concerned-about-ex-mounties-refusal-to-testify|url-status=live}} In an affidavit, Chang said he believes the FBI requested "identifying information from the electronic devices seized from Ms Meng" but also added that "[as] I was never asked for the identifying information by [any] member of the FBI, or any other member of any other United States authorities, this information was never shared." The defence called this a "boilerplate denial" and said Chang never explained where his initial belief in the FBI request came from. Chang also received a call from a "Chinese minister" following Meng's arrest, according to the defence. On June 5, the Justice Department asserted various privileges over documents it was refusing to hand over, including a document described as "Summary/Notes of phone call between Kerry Swift and Ben Chang." Swift is a Justice Department colleague of John Gibb-Carsley, a Justice Department lawyer. The "specified public interest" reason for the refusal to turn over the notes of Chang's conversation with Swift was "Witness safety." The government agreed to turn over the Chang-Swift documents to the defence, however they are withheld from the public and media.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110438/canada-feared-safety-macau-based-witness-who-refuses-testify|title=Canada feared for safety of Macau-based witness who refuses to testify in Meng Wanzhou extradition case|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023421/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3110438/canada-feared-safety-macau-based-witness-who-refuses-testify|url-status=live}} Chang now works at Galaxy Macau, a casino and luxury hotel. Former deputy RCMP commissioner Pierre-Yves Bourduas said it was highly unusual for a former Mountie to refuse to testify and suggested it may have to do with his new job and pressure from China. Two of Chang's former colleagues said they were baffled by Chang's refusal to testify. They have chosen to remain anonymous. One of Chang's former superior officers said former Chinese security officials approached Chang after Meng's arrest and sought information on who might be involved in the arrest as well as security details.{{cite news|newspaper=Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ex-mountie-refusing-to-testify-in-huawei-extradition-hearing-is/|title=Ex-Mountie refusing to testify in Huawei extradition hearing is working at Macau casino|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023254/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ex-mountie-refusing-to-testify-in-huawei-extradition-hearing-is/|url-status=live}} Jayson Allen, an RCMP IT worker, was tasked with searching through Ben Chang's police emails. He found an email by Chang sent to "fbi.gov", but could not be sure if Chang sent other emails to the FBI by addressing the recipients in the “BCC” (blind carbon copy) field. He also did not search Chang's private Gmail account.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113940/after-weeks-courtroom-drama-curtain-falls-witness-phase-meng|title=After weeks of courtroom drama, curtain falls on witness phase of Meng Wanzhou extradition battle|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 14, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023432/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113940/after-weeks-courtroom-drama-curtain-falls-witness-phase-meng|url-status=live}}

According to Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf, the original plan was to arrest Meng on the plane as discussed with her supervisor, acting Inspector Peter Lea. Her officers agreed instead to intercept her once she got off the plane and then take her to an immigration admissibility examination. Vander Graaf thought this was a reasonable and safe course of action. She described Lea's idea to arrest Meng on the plane as a "strong" suggestion. When questioned why the original plan was not executed, Vander Graaf said there were safety concerns.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3111401/canadian-mountie-concluded-fbi-never-got-meng-wanzhous-phone|title=Canadian Mountie 'concluded FBI never got Meng Wanzhou's phone information', but her notes say otherwise|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023349/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3111401/canadian-mountie-concluded-fbi-never-got-meng-wanzhous-phone|url-status=live}} Vander Graaf read the arrest warrant the morning it occurred and understood the "immediate" part of the arrest to be "as soon as practicable."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-technical-information-fbi-1.5816807|title=RCMP sergeant claims officer told her Meng Wanzhou's electronic device info sent to FBI|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023301/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-technical-information-fbi-1.5816807|url-status=live}} Vander Graaf said that emails from Dhaliwal were inconsistent with what was initially told to her, that Chang had shared electronic device information with the FBI, and she understood the emails to mean that Chang would go through legal channels for authorization of sharing the devices with U.S. officials.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/mountie-says-she-doesnt-believe-the-rcmp-shared-mengs-device-information-with-fbi|title=Mountie says she doesn't believe the RCMP shared Meng's device information with FBI|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023302/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/mountie-says-she-doesnt-believe-the-rcmp-shared-mengs-device-information-with-fbi|url-status=live}} Vander Graaf described a conversation she had with Dhaliwal that Chang had sent the electronic device information to the FBI. The defence questioned why her affidavit in 2019 said she had "no independent recollection" of the conversation or the email, but she does now. The defence accused her of covering for Dhaliwal and Chang.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3111564/meng-wanzhou-canadian-officer-denies-cover-and-tailoring|title=Meng Wanzhou: Canadian officer denies 'cover-up' and tailoring testimony about Meng's phone information allegedly going to FBI|date=November 26, 2020|access-date=November 26, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023338/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3111564/meng-wanzhou-canadian-officer-denies-cover-and-tailoring|url-status=live}}

Sergeant Ross Lundie testified that the arresting officers phoned him the night before to ask for advice, and that's when he heard of the plan to arrest Meng on the plane. The defence suggested that this was impossible since Vander Graaf phoned them later that night after speaking with her own superior, who was the source of the plan to arrest Meng on the plane. Phone records show Lundie had a three-minute call with a national security Mountie in Ottawa that night, but Lundie said he has no memory of the call. He also received a call from the FBI asking him to provide information on the handling of Meng's case, which he said he rejected.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113123/canadian-officer-says-he-should-have-spoken-about-passwords|title=Canada border officer 'went white' with shock when he realised he had lost Meng Wanzhou's device passwords, boss testifies|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023410/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113123/canadian-officer-says-he-should-have-spoken-about-passwords|url-status=live}} Lundie said that Meng posed no risk according to his knowledge, but planes are tight spaces and could be dangerous.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/mountie-says-he-suggested-meeting-with-cbsa-on-meng-arrest-to-avoid-problems|title=Mountie says he suggested meeting with CBSA on Meng arrest to avoid problems, court hears|date=November 28, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023306/https://vancouversun.com/news/mountie-says-he-suggested-meeting-with-cbsa-on-meng-arrest-to-avoid-problems|url-status=live}} Lundie said he took no notes because he was at dinner and that he wish he had.{{cite news|newspaper=BIV|url=https://biv.com/article/2020/11/rcmp-officer-wished-he-had-taken-more-notes-meng-wanzhou-case-court-hears|title=Witness testimony in Meng Wanzhou extradition could drag into Christmas week|date=November 27, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212102/https://biv.com/article/2020/11/rcmp-officer-wished-he-had-taken-more-notes-meng-wanzhou-case-court-hears|url-status=live}} Lundie overheard an officer talking to CBSA about passwords, which he thought did not make sense, and he had "no idea why passcodes to phones and all that would be obtained by anybody."{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113123/canadian-officer-says-he-should-have-spoken-about-passwords|title=Canadian officer says he should have spoken up about passwords on day of Meng Wanzhou's arrest|date=December 12, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023410/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113123/canadian-officer-says-he-should-have-spoken-about-passwords|url-status=live}}

Nicole Goodman, the CBSA Vancouver airport chief, testified that she remembered the reaction Kirkland had when he realized he did not know where the paper with Meng's password was. According to Goodman, it was an honest mistake. In the days following Meng's arrest, the FBI contacted her seeking records of Meng's customs examination and travel records prior to the bail hearing. She claims the FBI legal attache, John Sgroi, was very persistent and called her multiple times for the results of the customs examination and Meng's travel records. The FBI legal attaché claimed he had authority under a memorandum of understanding that governs information sharing between agencies. Goodman said she needed to check with the CBSA and worried that he would get the information elsewhere.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-airport-cbsa-passcodes-1.5833647|title=Border officer 'went white' after realizing he lost Meng Wanzhou passcodes, his boss testifies|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023302/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-airport-cbsa-passcodes-1.5833647|url-status=live}} In a correspondence with a senior RCMP officer, Sgroi said he got the information he needed from the CBSA. According to Goodman, she wanted to create a summary of events and "lessons learned" in the agency's role in the arrest, but CBSA's then-director general for the Pacific Region, Roslyn MacVicar, warned her not to. There was a discussion that it was a bad idea because evidence would be used in court.{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/cbsa-manager-told-not-to-take-notes-after-meng-wanzhous-arrest-in-case-of-access-request|title=CBSA manager told not to take notes after Meng Wanzhou's arrest in case of access request|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023300/https://vancouversun.com/news/cbsa-manager-told-not-to-take-notes-after-meng-wanzhous-arrest-in-case-of-access-request|url-status=live}} No physical notes of her involvement in the Meng case exist.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-cbsa-notes-records-arrest-1.5835281|title=CBSA Vancouver airport chief says director told her not to make notes about Meng Wanzhou|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023302/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-cbsa-notes-records-arrest-1.5835281|url-status=live}} Goodman said she found interactions involving the CBSA, RCMP and FBI to be routine, so she did not take any notes. The defence asked if it was routine for the FBI to try to coordinate the Richmond RCMP detachment and the RCMP's Federal and Serious Organised Crime unit. Goodman answered that the RCMP was not her concern.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113275/meng-wanzhou-hearing-canada-border-boss-warned-officer-not|title=Meng Wanzhou hearing: Canada border boss warned officer not to create more records, in case they were accessed via information law|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023349/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113275/meng-wanzhou-hearing-canada-border-boss-warned-officer-not|url-status=live}} On December 10, 2020, it was revealed that Goodman breached the judge's instructions not to discuss her testimony with anyone by approaching a government lawyer with questions about her testimony. Goodman admitted that she had given incomplete evidence in her previous testimony and worried that it had involved privileged information. The defence asked Goodman if her testimony had been “incomplete to the point you have misled”, but the Crown objected to the line of questioning based on "litigation privilege".{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113462/meng-wanzhou-hearing-disrupted-illicit-contact-between-witness|title=Witness admits giving 'incomplete' testimony in Meng Wanzhou hearing, as illicit contact with Canada government lawyer is revealed|date=December 11, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023327/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113462/meng-wanzhou-hearing-disrupted-illicit-contact-between-witness|url-status=live}}

Roslyn MacVicar, former Pacific chief of the CBSA, denied that she instructed her staff on the Meng case not to create notes out of fear that they would be disclosed. The defence pointed to notes by a CBSA aide in a meeting about Meng, attended by MacVicar in Ottawa on January 7, 2019, which said “Start gathering but don't create.” MacVicar said she "would never say that... and it's inconsistent with anything I’ve ever said in my capacity as a public servant."{{cite news|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/border-executive-had-no-worries-about-officer-conduct-related-to-meng-wanzhou-case|title=Border executive had no worries about officer conduct related to Meng Wanzhou case|date=December 12, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023259/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/border-executive-had-no-worries-about-officer-conduct-related-to-meng-wanzhou-case|url-status=live}} A statement of facts on December 14, 2020, including recollections of the CBSA's director of operations at Vancouver's airport, John Linde, contradicted MacVicar. According to Linde, MacVicar mentioned at a meeting not to create additional notes, which may have to do with access to information (ATIP) requests. Linde assumed the comment was directed at Goodman, who was more involved in the Meng case. The defence questioned her about an email she wrote in response to questions by CBSA bosses in Ottawa, about how the CBSA knew Meng was on her way to Canada, and why one of her officers asked Meng about Huawei's business in Iran. MacVicar said she composed the email after receiving information from senior CBSA staff at the airport, but she had no record of how this was conveyed to her.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113678/meng-wanzhou-hearing-canadian-border-officer-describes-how|title=Senior Canadian border officer denies destroying Meng Wanzhou documents, rejecting concealment claims|date=December 12, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023328/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3113678/meng-wanzhou-hearing-canadian-border-officer-describes-how|url-status=live}}

On January 10, 2020, Canadian Crown prosecutors argued that the court did not need to consider U.S. sanctions law because Meng's conduct amounts to fraud under Canadian law. Earlier in November, Meng's defence argued that Meng could not be extradited because her conduct was not illegal in Canada, since Canada did not have the same sanctions against Iran at the time Canadian officials authorized the extradition proceedings.{{cite news|newspaper=Financial Post|url=https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/canadian-prosecutors-say-case-against-huawei-cfo-is-about-fraud-not-sanctions|title=Canadian prosecutors say case against Huawei CFO is about fraud, not sanctions|date=January 10, 2020|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110215750/https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/canadian-prosecutors-say-case-against-huawei-cfo-is-about-fraud-not-sanctions|archive-date=January 10, 2020|url-status=live}} According to the defence, this is "a case of U.S. sanctions enforcement masquerading as Canadian fraud," and not only are banks in Canada allowed to do business with Iran-based entities, they are encouraged to do so.{{cite news|newspaper=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/544657cda815f1c3b91e301fcfca0702|title=Huawei CFO Lawyers Say Her Alleged Crimes No Crime in Canada|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225090917/https://apnews.com/article/544657cda815f1c3b91e301fcfca0702|url-status=live}}

On January 20, 2020, Meng's extradition hearing began. Justice Heather Holmes asked the defence if domestic prosecution would be viable had Meng's alleged conduct occurred in Canada. Meng's defence answered no, because the bank would face no liability for the alleged fraud. Holmes questioned whether or not all financial loss to the bank must occur in Canada for the fraud to be prosecuted and suggested that the bank may suffer reputational risk regardless of the location.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3047083/judge-grills-meng-wanzhous-lawyer-over-alleged-fraud-day-2|title=Judge grills Meng Wanzhou's lawyer over 'fraud' on day 2 of Huawei CFO's Canada extradition hearing|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122014128/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3047083/judge-grills-meng-wanzhous-lawyer-over-alleged-fraud-day-2|archive-date=January 22, 2020|url-status=live}} According to the attorney general, the matter is not complex; lying to a bank is fraud. Crown counsel Robert Frater argued that sanctions law need not be considered to understand the reputational risk Meng's conduct posed to HSBC.{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6445246/meng-wanzhou-extradition-hearing-day-3/|title='Lying to a bank is fraud': Crown lawyers begin arguments in Huawei exec's extradition trial|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122192156/https://globalnews.ca/news/6445246/meng-wanzhou-extradition-hearing-day-3/|archive-date=January 22, 2020|url-status=live}} However, defence lawyer Scott Fenton countered, stating that "there must be actual risk posed to the economic interests of the victim" in a fraud case. He took issue with Frater's argument and called it an "oxymoron" as "No possibility of risk means no loss at all."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-huawei-criminality-1.5437989|title='Right needs to be done': Meng Wanzhou's lawyers make final pitch to judge|date=January 23, 2020|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124021933/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-huawei-criminality-1.5437989|archive-date=January 24, 2020|url-status=live}} Meng's lawyer Richard Peck also invoked Canada's status as a sovereign state to reject what he considered the attempted application of U.S. laws to Meng's case.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3047457/meng-wanzhou-extradition-case-embarrasses-canadian-court|title=Meng Wanzhou extradition case embarrasses Canadian court, lawyer says, rejecting Huawei fraud claim|date=January 23, 2020|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123195425/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3047457/meng-wanzhou-extradition-case-embarrasses-canadian-court|archive-date=January 23, 2020|url-status=live}}

On May 27, 2020, Justice Heather Holmes ruled that the requirement of double criminality is capable of being met under both Canadian and US criminal law statutes.{{cite news|newspaper=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3086409/huaweis-meng-wanzhou-loses-bid-freedom-canadian-judge-decides|title=Huawei's Meng Wanzhou loses bid for freedom as Canadian judge decides US extradition case must continue|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527183816/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3086409/huaweis-meng-wanzhou-loses-bid-freedom-canadian-judge-decides}}

Canadian officials have asked court to prevent Meng's legal team from disclosing a document that contains "sensitive information that would injure national security if disclosed."{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6916535/disclosure-of-national-security-meng-wanzhou-extradition/|title=Canada asks court to block disclosure of national security secrets in Meng Wanzhou extradition|date=May 7, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511085632/https://globalnews.ca/news/6916535/disclosure-of-national-security-meng-wanzhou-extradition/|archive-date=May 11, 2020|url-status=live}}

The U.S. government has asked court to limit Huawei's ability to share information gained in their court cases in the U.S. with Meng.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-us-asks-court-to-limit-huaweis-ability-to-share-american-evidence/#comments|date=May 7, 2020|access-date=May 11, 2020|title=U.S. Asks court to limit Huawei's ability to share American evidence with Meng - the Globe and Mail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511031222/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-us-asks-court-to-limit-huaweis-ability-to-share-american-evidence/#comments|archive-date=May 11, 2020|url-status=live}} US prosecutors handling Meng's case said Huawei should not be allowed to share evidence with Meng Wanzhou because the evidence would be misused.{{cite news|newspaper=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-29/u-s-says-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-will-misuse-evidence|date=September 29, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020|title=U.S. Says Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou Will 'Misuse' Evidence|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162117/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-29/u-s-says-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-will-misuse-evidence|url-status=live}}

Huawei is suing multiple U.S. government agencies for the release of documents relevant to Meng's case. Huawei made 12 requests more than a year ago under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act and received almost nothing back, despite "express requirement that agencies generally must act within 20 business days."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/huawei-meng-wanzhou-documents-suing-1.5788329|date=November 4, 2020|access-date=November 4, 2020|title=Huawei sues U.S. over 'stonewalling' on Meng Wanzhou documents|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104075636/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/huawei-meng-wanzhou-documents-suing-1.5788329|url-status=live}}

U.S. prosecutors accused Huawei of improperly sharing information disclosed against the company with Meng. U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly found that this did not violate court order, but warned Huawei lawyers to be careful with their filings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/u-s-judge-says-huawei-has-not-violated-court-order-warns-company-lawyers-1.5402342|title=U.S. Judge says Huawei has not violated court order, warns company lawyers|date=April 26, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501212830/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/u-s-judge-says-huawei-has-not-violated-court-order-warns-company-lawyers-1.5402342|url-status=live}}

Around 2013, border agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport searched Meng's electronics during transit and recovered a text file of her talking points on Iran. Federal investigators later probed the issue in 2017–2018 in secret and kept it under seal until Meng landed in Canada.{{cite news|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/huawei-china-meng-kovrig-spavor-prisoner-swap-11666877779|title=Inside the Secret Prisoner Swap That Splintered the U.S. and China|date=October 27, 2022|access-date=October 27, 2022}}

A redacted two-page CSIS report was released on June 12, 2020, which revealed Canadian Security Intelligence Service and FBI involvement in Meng's arrest. According to the document, the CSIS received notice of the issued arrest warrant from the FBI a day before Meng's arrest. The CSIS report notes that the RCMP FPNS (federal policing national security unit) considered the arrest to be "highly political"{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-csis-report-made-before-meng-wanzhous-arrest-predicted-shockwaves/|title=CSIS report before Meng Wanzhou's arrest called the move 'highly political'|date=June 12, 2020|access-date=June 19, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619122330/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-csis-report-made-before-meng-wanzhous-arrest-predicted-shockwaves/}} in nature and "the arrest is likely to send shockwaves around the world."{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7061198/csis-meng-wanhzou-arrest/|title=Huawei exec's lawyers call CSIS knowledge of multi-hour delay in arrest 'troubling'|date=June 12, 2020|access-date=June 12, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613021332/https://globalnews.ca/news/7061198/csis-meng-wanhzou-arrest/}} The CSIS expected Meng to be arrested at 4 PM even though her plane landed at 11:30 AM. According to Meng's lawyers, this shows that the CSIS was aware of the planned multi-hour delay during which Meng was questioned, had her devices taken from her before she was informed of her arrest, and her charter rights were violated. The CSIS report also says the RCMP would likely receive assistance from the CBSA in arresting Meng, which Meng's lawyers argue is evidence of collusion because it is not part of the border service's mandate to provide the RCMP with assistance in gathering evidence. The CSIS also noted that the FBI would not be present in an effort to avoid the "perception of involvement." CSIS spokesman John Townsend said in an email that he is unable to comment on the specifics of the proceedings, as the matter is before the court. The redacted report is part of an application for a representative to participate in proceedings behind closed doors on secret documents that would, according to the attorney general, hurt international relations, national defence or national security. The lawyer Anil Kapoor will have access to further confidential information but cannot share contents with Meng and her team. The court ordered the Crown to release 400 documents (1,200 to 1,500 pages) in February, however, the Crown wishes to redact all or half of them.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/diplomat-says-documents-too-sensitive-to-give-to-meng-s-legal-team-1.5022454|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers back in court, will try to prove she's a victim of conspiracy|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802171930/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/diplomat-says-documents-too-sensitive-to-give-to-meng-s-legal-team-1.5022454}} Information included in the documents state that the FBI requested the RCMP to monitor Meng should she be released on bail, and in response the RCMP said that they would not be able to provide 24/7 surveillance.{{cite news|newspaper=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7297596/canada-court-blocks-huawei-request/|title=Federal court blocks Meng Wanzhou's request to release confidential documents|date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162119/https://globalnews.ca/news/7297596/canada-court-blocks-huawei-request/|url-status=live}}

Global Affairs Canada official David Hartman and CSIS officer Michel Guay both filed affidavits arguing that Meng's lawyers should not get access to the unredacted documents. The reason being that it would cause further damage to China-Canada relations should the content be revealed. According to Guy, the redacted material might also negatively impact national security by identifying informants and relationships with other intelligence agencies.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-csis-federal-court-1.5645672|title=Global Affairs official says giving Meng Wanzhou CSIS documents could hurt Canada|date=July 13, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713121337/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-csis-federal-court-1.5645672}}{{cite news|newspaper=CTV News|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/diplomat-says-documents-too-sensitive-to-give-to-meng-s-legal-team-1.5022454|title=Diplomat says documents too sensitive to give to Meng's legal team|date=July 14, 2020|access-date=July 14, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714010310/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/diplomat-says-documents-too-sensitive-to-give-to-meng-s-legal-team-1.5022454}}

On August 21, Judge Catherine Kane deemed the CSIS documents irrelevant to Meng's case and refused Meng's request for their release, but added that even if they had been relevant, she would likely still have refused to order their release due to their injurious nature.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-csis-redactions-1.5699512|title=Meng Wanzhou loses federal court battle for CSIS information|date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162130/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-csis-redactions-1.5699512|url-status=live}}

On October 9, 2020, Meng's team was denied access to most of the documents they requested due to issues related to solicitor-client privilege.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-beijing-meng-wanzhou-vancouver-b8b1162c4aabe02c96a527e13eed167a|title=Canadian extradition judge deals Huawei CFO legal blow|date=October 9, 2020|access-date=October 24, 2020|website=Associated Press|author=Jim Morris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021063639/https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-beijing-meng-wanzhou-vancouver-b8b1162c4aabe02c96a527e13eed167a|archive-date=October 21, 2020|url-status=live}}

Meng accused the U.S. of misrepresenting her case by omitting key information in the evidence filed against her. The team alleged that the PowerPoint deck presented by the US prosecutors was incomplete and the omitted slides would have shown “highly relevant information” and that she had been transparent with HSBC.{{Cite web|last=Koo|first=George|date=2020-10-25|title=The strange saga of Meng Wanzhou|url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/the-strange-saga-of-meng-wanzhou/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Asia Times|language=en-US|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107024953/https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/the-strange-saga-of-meng-wanzhou/|url-status=live}} According to her legal team, the U.S. omitted slides No.6 and No.16 of the PowerPoint used as evidence against Meng, which show she was far more transparent to HSBC than suggested. The slides contain a statement that Huawei worked with Skycom in Iran and that they had normal and controllable business cooperation with each other. And that leaving out the slides, leaves the impression that the tech executive had never disclosed to HSBC that Skycom did business with Huawei in Iran, or that Huawei and Skycom had an ongoing business relationship. HSBC documents revealed that an HSBC employee said that Huawei had tried to comply with all sanctions and that he was "pretty much reassured on the issue." The documents make clear that "HSBC Witness B," a managing director, and "HSBC Employee 7", HSBC's deputy head of global banking in China, had been aware of the relationship between Huawei and Skycom for quite some time before Witness B met Meng in 2013. Employee 7 signed off on four favourable risk assessment reports that were accepted by committees weighing the bank's relationship with Huawei.{{Cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/john-ivison-new-evidence-in-the-meng-case-an-opportunity-for-lametti-to-end-it|title=John Ivison: New evidence in the Meng case an opportunity for Lametti to end it|first=John|last=Ivison|newspaper=National Post|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=July 8, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107125612/https://nationalpost.com/opinion/john-ivison-new-evidence-in-the-meng-case-an-opportunity-for-lametti-to-end-it|url-status=live}} Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes ruled that these documents cannot be used in the extradition case.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140592/major-blow-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-canadian-extradition-judge|title=Major blow to Meng as extradition judge rejects HSBC documents as evidence|date=July 10, 2021|access-date=July 9, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109074440/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140592/major-blow-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-canadian-extradition-judge|url-status=live}}

The new court filings contend that since HSBC was aware that Huawei and Skycom were operating in Iran, they would have known they could not process Skycom funds through U.S. banks without violating U.S. sanctions law. Additionally, Meng's legal team argued there was no need to clear U.S. dollar transactions through U.S. banks as HSBC could have used the Clearing House Automated Transfer System (CHATS) in Hong Kong for clearing Skycom transactions, which would not have involved risk of violating U.S. sanctions law.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-meng-wanzhou-accuses-us-of-misleading-canada-in-poisoned-court/|title=Meng Wanzhou accuses U.S. of misleading Canada in 'poisoned' court proceedings|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823224014/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-meng-wanzhou-accuses-us-of-misleading-canada-in-poisoned-court/}}

On 28 October 2020, a ruling was published online in which Holmes ruled that there was an “air of reality" to Meng's allegations of abuse of process in regards to US Department of Justice's conduct and that she would allow two statements from the missing PowerPoint slides to be used as evidence in the extradition case.

New evidence filed by Meng's lawyers include an affidavit from John Bellinger, a former senior associate counsel to the George W. Bush White House, saying that "Any assertion that Ms. Meng would have put the bank in legal jeopardy ... is not supported by past U.S. government practice."{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-record-case-1.5687723|title=Meng Wanzhou's lawyers claim extradition case riddled with misrepresentations|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815175540/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-extradition-record-case-1.5687723}} According to Bellinger, the U.S. record of the case for prosecution left out the fact that Meng clearly stated to the bank that Huawei worked with Skycom in Iran, and that HSBC was processing Skycom transactions through the U.S. for three years prior to the meeting with Meng.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-huawei-lawyers-say-us-evidence-unreliable-in-meng-extradition-case-3/|title=U.S. left out key statements by Huawei executive Meng in extradition request: lawyer|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816020633/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-huawei-lawyers-say-us-evidence-unreliable-in-meng-extradition-case-3/}} Crown lawyers responded that Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes has the responsibility to "keep these proceedings on the straight and narrow" and to "stop this application here and now." In October 2020, a judge blocked an attempt by Canada's attorney general to dismiss parts of the extradition case,{{cite news|agency=Reuters|date=October 30, 2020|title=Canada judge blocks attorney general's attempt to dismiss Meng Wanzhou's arguments|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/30/canada-judge-blocks-attorney-generals-attempt-to-dismiss-meng-wanzhous-arguments-huawei|access-date=October 30, 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001170119/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/30/canada-judge-blocks-attorney-generals-attempt-to-dismiss-meng-wanzhous-arguments-huawei|url-status=live}} allowing arguments for the misrepresentation of Meng's case to move forward.{{cite news|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada-ruling/canadas-attempt-to-get-part-of-huawei-cfos-case-against-u-s-extradition-denied-idINKBN27E3HB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101070428/https://in.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada-ruling/canadas-attempt-to-get-part-of-huawei-cfos-case-against-u-s-extradition-denied-idINKBN27E3HB|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 1, 2020|title=Canada's attempt to get part of Huawei CFO's case against U.S. extradition denied|access-date=October 29, 2020}}

Meng's lawyers claimed that Canada would be complicit in breaching international law if it sent Meng to the U.S. due to extraterritorial actions.

The defence accused CBSA officer Scott Kirkland of completely fabricating his testimony in October 2020, when he said the passcodes to Meng's electronic devices accidentally ended up in RCMP possession. Tony Paisana noted that nowhere is the mistake recorded by the CBSA. Another lawyer, Mona Duckett, described the Canadian officers' testimonies as reckless and deliberately false. For example, it was beyond conceivable that officers would “single-handedly” discover evidence of espionage by Meng. The defence accused the border agents of violations including the seizure of Meng's electronic devices, compelling her to turn over their passcodes, and questioning her about Huawei's activities in relation to US fraud charges against her. The defence also characterized the CBSA's questions for Meng as being irrelevant to Canada and only valuable to a US audience,{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3126247/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-mocks-canada-border-officers-testimony|title=Be sceptical of Canada border officers' honesty, Meng lawyer tells judge|date=March 20, 2021|access-date=March 22, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023442/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3126247/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-mocks-canada-border-officers-testimony|url-status=live}} while Constable Winston Yep's testimony that he had safety concerns about arresting Meng on the plane was completely made up.{{Cite web|url = https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3126511/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-blasts-ex-mountie-shock-refusal-testify|title = Meng Wanzhou's lawyer blasts ex-Mountie for 'shock' refusal to testify|date = March 23, 2021|access-date = March 23, 2021|archive-date = September 25, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210925023328/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3126511/meng-wanzhous-lawyer-blasts-ex-mountie-shock-refusal-testify|url-status = live}} The Crown responded that border officers had legitimate interest in conducting the examination because of concerns about Canadian security and possible criminality.

The defence challenged Staff Sgt. Ben Chang's written claims that he did not share information taken from her electronic devices with the FBI. Chang has since retired from the RCMP, after which all his emails and texts were destroyed, and now lives in Macau. He refused to testify and has hired a lawyer. The Crown said it was up to the defence to compel Chang to testify and said they did not because his testimony would hurt their case.

On 12 August 2021, Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes, presiding over the extradition proceedings, posed the question, "Isn't it unusual that one would see a fraud case with no actual harm many years later and one in which the alleged victim, a large institution, appears to have numerous people within the institution who had all that facts that are now said to have been misrepresented?" Holmes also had difficulty understanding U.S. explanations for what constituted business that did or did not comply with sanctions on Iran. The records provided by the prosecution did not define legal commercial activity in Iran. The prosecution explained that there was good and bad business as far as the U.S. sanctions law was concerned and that it was Meng's job to know the difference. The prosecution suggested that Meng implied to HSBC that she knew where the line was and that HSBC would be safe from crossing it.{{Cite web|url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/08/11/meng-wanzhou-extradition-court-2/|title=B.C. court to hear formal arguments in Huawei executive's extradition case - CityNews Toronto|website=toronto.citynews.ca|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005004/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/08/11/meng-wanzhou-extradition-court-2/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1816105/crown-claims-meng-wanzhous-dishonesty-sits-at-the-heart-of-fraud-alleged-in-extradition-request|title=Crown claims Meng Wanzhou's 'dishonesty' sits at the heart of fraud alleged in extradition request|first=Zone Justice et faits divers-|last=ICI.Radio-Canada.ca|website=Radio-Canada.ca|date=August 12, 2021|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929004438/https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1816105/crown-claims-meng-wanzhous-dishonesty-sits-at-the-heart-of-fraud-alleged-in-extradition-request|url-status=live}} On 13 August 2021, Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes expressed great difficulty in understanding how the Record of Case (ROC) presented by the US to the Canadian authorities in support of their extradition request showed a clear factual or contextual basis to support their allegation of criminality.{{cite news|url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-in-mengs-extradition-case-questions-us-allegation/|title = Judge in Meng Wanzhou's extradition case says U.S. Allegation is unclear|newspaper = The Globe and Mail|date = August 11, 2021|last1 = Fine|first1 = Sean|access-date = September 26, 2021|archive-date = October 13, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211013233507/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-in-mengs-extradition-case-questions-us-allegation/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|last=姜璐|title=Judge doesn't 'understand' US allegations against Huawei CFO|url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202108/13/WS6115ad69a310efa1bd668802.html|access-date=2021-08-16|website=global.chinadaily.com.cn|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816153944/https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202108/13/WS6115ad69a310efa1bd668802.html|url-status=live}}

In December 2020, the Wall Street Journal reported, relying on unnamed sources, that the United States Department of Justice was talking to Meng's representatives about a possible deferred prosecution deal, where she will be set free if she admits to criminal wrongdoing.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-deal-justice-department-1.5827953|title=U.S. Justice Department in talks with Meng Wanzhou over deal to free the Huawei executive: report|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030195746/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-deal-justice-department-1.5827953|url-status=live}}

On 18 September 2021, the Globe and Mail, citing Canadian sources, reported that the United States Department of Justice had been in a talk with Huawei and Meng's lawyers for weeks, and had made an offer to end the extradition request and criminal proceedings if Meng both pleaded "guilty" to the charges and paid a hefty fine.{{cite news|date=2021-09-18|title=U.S. resumes talks with Huawei CFO on resolving criminal charges - Globe and Mail|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/us-doj-resumes-talks-plea-deal-with-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-globe-mail-2021-09-18/|access-date=2021-09-29|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007054102/https://www.reuters.com/business/us-doj-resumes-talks-plea-deal-with-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-globe-mail-2021-09-18/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=US, Meng Wanzhou in talks to resolve charges: report - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1611179-20210918.htm?|access-date=2021-09-29|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925190853/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1611179-20210918.htm|url-status=live}}

On 24 September 2021, the Department of Justice under President Joe Biden announced it had suspended its charges and withdrew its extradition request against Meng Wanzhou after she entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with them, in which she conceded she helped misrepresent the relationship between Huawei and its subsidiary Skycom to HSBC in order to transact business with Iran, but was allowed to not enter a guilty plea to the fraud charges nor have to pay a fine.{{cite news|last1=Fife|first1=Robert|last2=Chase|first2=Steven|date=2021-09-24|title=Meng Wanzhou free to return to China after cutting plea deal with U.S. Justice Department|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-huaweis-meng-to-resolve-fraud-case-in-plea-deal-that-does-not-include/|access-date=2021-09-29|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924141916/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-huaweis-meng-to-resolve-fraud-case-in-plea-deal-that-does-not-include/|url-status=live}} Meng left Canada on 24 September 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-meng-wanzhou-flies-away-leaving-a-hard-lesson-behind/|title=Beijing finally releases two Michaels, but a hard lesson can't be forgotten|first=Campbell|last=Clark|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=September 24, 2021|via=www.theglobeandmail.com|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027062115/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-meng-wanzhou-flies-away-leaving-a-hard-lesson-behind/|url-status=live}}

On December 2, 2022, the presiding judge dismissed the charges against Meng following the United States government's request.

File:B-2043@PEK (20200707184942).jpg

On 24 September 2021, Chinese ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu and staff from the Chinese embassy accompanied Meng to Vancouver International Airport to send her off where she departed aboard a Chinese government-arranged Air China charter flight bound for Shenzhen, Guangdong, China after spending more than 1,000 days under house arrest in the city as part of her bail condition.{{cite news|url = https://www.reuters.com/technology/huawei-cfo-meng-appear-court-expected-reach-agreement-with-us-source-2021-09-24/|title = Huawei CFO leaves Canada after U.S. Agreement on fraud charges, detained Canadians head home|newspaper = Reuters|date = 25 September 2021|last1 = Freifeld|first1 = Karen|last2 = Li|first2 = Kenneth|last3 = Warburton|first3 = Moira|last4 = Ljunggren|first4 = David|access-date = September 26, 2021|archive-date = September 28, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210928132356/https://www.reuters.com/technology/huawei-cfo-meng-appear-court-expected-reach-agreement-with-us-source-2021-09-24/|url-status = live}} She arrived and was greeted with a hero's welcome at the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport the following day on 25 September 2021.{{cite web|title=China welcomes Huawei executive home, but silent on freed Canadians|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-welcomes-huawei-executive-home-silent-freed-canadians-2021-09-25/|publisher=reuters.com|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104080029/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-welcomes-huawei-executive-home-silent-freed-canadians-2021-09-25/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=News|first=Bloomberg|date=2021-09-26|title=Huawei CFO gets hero's welcome; Canadians land quietly|language=en|work=National Post|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/huawei-cfo-gets-heros-welcome-canadians-land-quietly|access-date=2021-09-30|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107125618/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/huawei-cfo-gets-heros-welcome-canadians-land-quietly|url-status=live}}

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the federal government was aware of the intended arrest, but had no involvement in the process due to the judicial independence of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-huawei-extradition-1.4937146|title=Canada was compelled to arrest Chinese business exec at Washington's request, says expert|first=David|last=Cochrane|date=December 7, 2018|website=CBC News|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219144529/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/meng-huawei-extradition-1.4937146|archive-date=December 19, 2018|url-status=live}} According to David MacNaughton, Canada's former ambassador to the United States, the extradition request was made very suddenly on November 30, with no discussion between U.S. and Canadian officials. However, MacNaughton also says the U.S. has several agendas in going after Huawei, one of which is that it wants its allies to ban it. A close adviser of Justin Trudeau says the view inside the Canadian government is that John Bolton was the driving force behind the arrest of Meng. Trudeau was informed of Meng's arrest at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, and according to one source, was caught off guard.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, rejected China's demand that the Canadian Government should block the extradition, despite China's decision to block imports of Canadian canola seed (an important foreign export revenue earner), and warned Beijing that "It would be a very dangerous precedent indeed for Canada to alter its behavior when it comes to honouring an extradition treaty in response to external pressure." She added that to do so could make Canadians around the world less safe.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5387310/chrystia-freeland-meng-wanzhou-extradition/|title=Blocking extradition of Meng Wanzhou would set "dangerous precedent": Freeland|author=David Ljunggren |agency=Reuters|work=Global News, Canada|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628233039/https://globalnews.ca/news/5387310/chrystia-freeland-meng-wanzhou-extradition/|archive-date=June 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

Canada's Ambassador to China, John McCallum said, "From Canada's point of view, if (the U.S.) drops the extradition request, that would be great for Canada."{{cite web |url = https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mccallum-says-dropping-meng-extradition-would-be-great-for-canada-report-1.4269945 |title = McCallum says dropping Meng extradition would be 'great' for Canada: report |date = January 25, 2019 |work = The Canadian Press |via = CTV News |access-date = January 26, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190126102540/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mccallum-says-dropping-meng-extradition-would-be-great-for-canada-report-1.4269945 |archive-date = January 26, 2019 |url-status = live }} On January 26, 2019, McCallum resigned as Canada's ambassador to China at the request of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.{{cite web|first=Catharine |last=Tunney |url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-fires-john-mccallum-as-ambassador-to-china-1.4994492 |title = John McCallum fired as ambassador to China amid diplomatic crisis|date = January 26, 2019 |website = CBC News|access-date = January 27, 2019 |archive-date = August 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200823224017/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-fires-john-mccallum-as-ambassador-to-china-1.4994492 |url-status = live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/former-china-envoy-john-mccallum-lands-new-role-at-toronto-law-firm-1.1271562|title=Former China envoy John McCallum lands new role at Toronto law firm - BNN Bloomberg|last=Bloomberg|first=B. N. N.|date=June 11, 2019|website=BNN|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613114642/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/former-china-envoy-john-mccallum-lands-new-role-at-toronto-law-firm-1.1271562|archive-date=June 13, 2019|url-status=live}}

In January 2020, protesters outside the court demanding justice for Meng were revealed to have been paid by unknown sources. Some stated that they were actors and had been told they would be background extras.{{Cite web |last=Larsen |first=Jan |date=January 21, 2020 |title=The strange tale of the paid protesters supporting Meng Wanzhou at her extradition hearing |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/paid-protesters-meng-wanzhou-1.5434613 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=CBC News |archive-date=September 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902203709/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/paid-protesters-meng-wanzhou-1.5434613 |url-status=live }}

Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, says the arrests of Canadians in China are an "arbitrary action", and that Canada will continue to demand that the detainees are treated fairly. Goodale says that China has produced no evidence to indicate any validity to the criminal allegations against them. The aforementioned former Canadian ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, says that leveraging international support for Canada, particularly from the US, will be necessary, that an anticipated Canada–China free trade deal should be taken off the table, that inspections of Chinese goods entering Canada should be increased, and that Canada should lodge a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO), over its decision to ban the importation of Canadian canola seed.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5291920/canada-release-canadians-held-in-china-kovrig-spavor/|title=Canada has "very few options" to secure release of Canadians being held in China: experts|author=Jessica Vomiero|work=Global News, Canada|date=May 18, 2019|access-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628064312/https://globalnews.ca/news/5291920/canada-release-canadians-held-in-china-kovrig-spavor/|archive-date=June 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

Following the ruling by the BC Supreme Court, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Champagne, stated the government will respect the independence of the judiciary's decision in ordering the extradition to proceed.{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Global Affairs|date=May 27, 2020|title=Statement on the Supreme Court of British Columbia decision on double criminality in extradition process for Meng Wanzhou|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/05/statement-on-the-supreme-court-of-british-columbia-decision-on-double-criminality-in-extradition-process-for-meng-wanzhou.html|access-date=September 16, 2020|website=gcnws|archive-date=September 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916221815/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/05/statement-on-the-supreme-court-of-british-columbia-decision-on-double-criminality-in-extradition-process-for-meng-wanzhou.html|url-status=live}}

Former Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chrétien, has suggested cancelling Meng's extradition case to unfreeze relations with China. Chrétien has said privately that "the United States played a trick on Canada by forcing Ottawa to arrest Ms. Meng, and called the extradition request an unacceptable move by the United States at the expense of Canada and its farmers and pork producers."{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-chretien-suggests-huawei-executives-extradition-case-should-end/|title=Chrétien proposes cancelling Meng's extradition case to unfreeze relations with China|date=June 12, 2019|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613101031/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-chretien-suggests-huawei-executives-extradition-case-should-end/|archive-date=June 13, 2019|url-status=live}}

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Manley, has stated that Canadian allies such as Germany have let Canada down in their support of Canada: "Where have the Germans been? Have they said we're not talking to you, China, until you talk to Canada—no. What about our other so-called progressive friends?" According to Manley, the simplest way out of the Meng affair would be for the U.S. to simply withdraw the extradition request. However, Manley believes the key to this is convincing Donald Trump, which is unlikely.{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/former-ambassador-to-china-calls-current-tensions-with-canada-unprecedented-1.4465630|title=Former ambassador to China calls current tensions with Canada 'unprecedented'|date=June 13, 2019|work=CTV News|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613231038/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/former-ambassador-to-china-calls-current-tensions-with-canada-unprecedented-1.4465630|archive-date=June 13, 2019|url-status=live}}

Nineteen prominent former politicians and diplomats signed a letter calling for the release of Meng. Included among them are former Liberal foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy, former Conservative foreign affairs minister Lawrence Cannon, former Conservative senator Hugh Segal, former New Democratic Party leader Ed Broadbent, former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, former ambassador to the U.S. Derek Burney. Prime Minister Trudeau rejected the call saying, "We will continue to remain steadfast and strong and say very clearly in our actions and in our words that randomly arresting Canadians doesn't give you leverage over the government of Canada anywhere in the world."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/lloyd-axworthy-letter-release-meng-1.5626933|title=Former China envoy John McCallum lands new role at Toronto law firm - BNN Bloomberg|last=Petz|first=Sarah|date=June 25, 2020|website=CBC|access-date=June 25, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626024758/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/lloyd-axworthy-letter-release-meng-1.5626933}} Vina Nadjibulla, the wife of Michael Kovrig, who is one of the arrests in China linked to Meng's case, says she fully supports the letter calling for Meng's release in exchange for the Michaels. According to Nadjibulla, the alternative is to essentially let the Michaels stay in jail for many more years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/vina-nadjibulla-michael-kovrig-letter-pnp-agree-1.5627757|title=Michael Kovrig's wife says she backs letter by former MPs, diplomats calling for Meng Wanzhou's release|date=June 25, 2020|website=CBC|access-date=July 5, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705050309/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/vina-nadjibulla-michael-kovrig-letter-pnp-agree-1.5627757}}

On 15 July 2020, the Green Party of Canada's foreign affairs critic, Paul Manly, argued that U.S. President Donald Trump's comments made clear that Meng's case is political in nature. According to Manly, the Trump administration abused the extradition treaty for political purposes, and "Canada cannot continue to be used as a pawn in a trade dispute between the United States and China."{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7181389/canada-demand-u-s-drop-meng-wanzhou-charges-green-party/|title=Canada should 'demand' the U.S. drop all charges against Meng Wanzhou: Green Party|date=July 15, 2020|website=Global News|access-date=July 17, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717031821/https://globalnews.ca/news/7181389/canada-demand-u-s-drop-meng-wanzhou-charges-green-party/}} The Green Party's parliamentary leader, Elizabeth May, also proposed for the "Canadian government to stand up to the U.S. administration and demands that it drops the criminal charges."

On 15 September 2020, over 100 former diplomats called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to negotiate a swap of Meng for the Michaels. Aside from Henry Garfield Pardy, former director general of consular affairs, who organized the letter to Trudeau, the ex-diplomats have chosen to remain anonymous.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-more-than-100-ex-diplomats-urge-trudeau-to-swap-meng-for-kovrig-and/|title=More than 100 ex-diplomats urge Trudeau to swap Meng for Kovrig and Spavor|date=September 19, 2020|website=The Globe and Mail|access-date=September 19, 2020|last1=Chase|first1=Steven|last2=Fife|first2=Robert|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106214456/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-more-than-100-ex-diplomats-urge-trudeau-to-swap-meng-for-kovrig-and/|url-status=live}}

On 7 October 2020, the Canadian defence minister, Harjit Sajjan, described the detention of the two Michaels as hostage diplomacy.{{Cite web|last=Berthiaume|first=Lee|date=2020-10-07|title=China's detention of 2 Canadians 'hostage diplomacy,' defence minister says|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7384281/china-hostage-diplomacy-michaels/|access-date=2021-03-23|website=Global News|archive-date=July 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702133504/https://globalnews.ca/news/7384281/china-hostage-diplomacy-michaels/|url-status=live}}

NDP and Green Party MPs Paul Manly and Niki Ashton spoke in an online panel discussion on 24 November 2020, in favour of releasing Meng in exchange for the Michaels.{{Cite web|url=https://biv.com/article/2020/11/activists-seek-huawei-officials-release-end-extradition|title=Activists seek Huawei official's release, end of extradition|date=November 26, 2020|website=BIV|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106214111/https://biv.com/article/2020/11/activists-seek-huawei-officials-release-end-extradition|url-status=live}}

Meng Wanzhou received multiple death threats while under house arrest. In June and July 2020, five or six threatening letters, one of which contained bullets, were delivered to her residence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/huawei-bullets-sent-to-meng-wanzhou-while-under-house-arrest-court-hears|title=Huawei: bullets sent to Meng Wanzhou while under house arrest, court hears|date=January 13, 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=January 15, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001170118/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/huawei-bullets-sent-to-meng-wanzhou-while-under-house-arrest-court-hears|url-status=live}}

{{See also|China–United States trade war (2018–present)|Hostage diplomacy#China|Detention of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig}}

Four hours after Meng Wanzhou was detained, she called Song Liuping, Huawei's chief legal officer and a member of the board of directors. Song relayed her arrest to Beijing, where Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping found out after the post-summit dinner with Donald Trump. According to Chinese and Huawei sources, Xi was furious that he learned of this from his officials rather than the Canadians. A Canadian foreign-affairs official claims the federal government reached out to Chinese diplomats as soon as Meng was arrested, who had consular access to Meng within a few hours. However, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa says they learned of her arrest from Beijing, not from the Canadian government. The Chinese consulate in Vancouver says "it had not been informed by Canadian foreign affairs officials about the arrest of Ms. Meng Wanzhou."

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa issued a strong statement condemning her arrest and the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned the Canadian and American ambassadors in protest over the detention.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/dec/09/china-threatens-canada-with-grave-consequences-if-huawei-cfo-not-freed|title=China threatens Canada with 'grave consequences' if Huawei CFO not freed|author=Yong Xiong and Susannah Cullinane|date=December 9, 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209234907/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/dec/09/china-threatens-canada-with-grave-consequences-if-huawei-cfo-not-freed|archive-date=December 9, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/sgxw/t1619426.htm|title=Remarks of the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Canada on the issue of a Chinese citizen arrested by the Canadian side|website=ca.china-embassy.org|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208105508/http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/sgxw/t1619426.htm|archive-date=December 8, 2018|url-status=live}} Chinese media have alleged that the arrest is part of an attempt by the U.S. to stifle Huawei and its other tech companies.{{cite news |title=Chinese state media says U.S. trying to 'stifle' Huawei with arrest |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-media/chinese-state-media-says-u-s-trying-to-stifle-huawei-with-arrest-idUSKBN1O607R |work=Reuters |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208095725/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-media/chinese-state-media-says-u-s-trying-to-stifle-huawei-with-arrest-idUSKBN1O607R |archive-date=December 8, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title='Basically kidnapping': China's state media lashes out at Canada over arrest of Huawei executive |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4740048/china-state-media-canada-arrest-huawei-meng-wanzhou/ |work=Global News |date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=December 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208124251/https://globalnews.ca/news/4740048/china-state-media-canada-arrest-huawei-meng-wanzhou/ |archive-date=December 8, 2018 |url-status=live }} According to David MacNaughton, the Chinese believe the arrest was coordinated at the highest levels by Canadian and U.S. authorities.

On December 9, 2018, the government of China told Canadian ambassador John McCallum that Meng's arrest "severely violated the Chinese citizen's legal and legitimate rights and interests, it is lawless, reasonless and ruthless, and it is extremely vicious" and warned of "serious consequences" unless Meng was released.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/09/tech/huawei-cfo-china-summons-ambassador/index.html|website=CNN|title=China summons US, Canadian ambassadors in 'strong protest ' over Huawei CFO's Arrest|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211164418/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/09/tech/huawei-cfo-china-summons-ambassador/index.html|archive-date=December 11, 2018|url-status=live}} The subsequent arrest of former diplomat Michael Kovrig in Beijing may be part of those consequences, according to former Canadian ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques.{{cite web|url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005408170|title=ICG: No word from China on detained Canadian employee|website=The Japan News|agency=Reuters|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212181525/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005408170|archive-date=December 12, 2018|url-status=dead}} Shortly afterwards, China detained businessman Michael Spavor, another Canadian national, in an escalating diplomatic row.{{cite news |title=Detained in China: Canadian businessman known for ties to North Korean leader |last1=Smith |first1=Josh |last2=Ljunggren |first2=David |date=December 13, 2018 |access-date=December 18, 2018 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-icg-businessman/detained-in-china-canadian-businessman-known-for-ties-to-north-korean-leader-idUSKBN1OC0LU |newspaper=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218015154/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-icg-businessman/detained-in-china-canadian-businessman-known-for-ties-to-north-korean-leader-idUSKBN1OC0LU |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |url-status=live }} Their arrests were made under the National Security Law that came into effect in 2015, a comprehensive piece of legislation that gives Chinese authorities broad powers.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/spavor-kovrig-china-canada-1.4966857|website=CBC News|access-date=January 6, 2019|title=Canadians accused of breaking Chinese law that gives authorities vast power|last=Ling|first=Philip|date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105232450/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/spavor-kovrig-china-canada-1.4966857|archive-date=January 5, 2019|url-status=live}} The detention of the Canadians is widely regarded as an act of Hostage diplomacy.{{cite web |last1=Ong |first1=Lynette |title=China Is Shooting Itself in the Foot Over Huawei |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/07/china-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-over-huawei/ |website=foreignpolicy.com |date=January 7, 2019 |publisher=Foreign Policy |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216224318/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/07/china-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-over-huawei/ |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title='Hostage' diplomacy: Canadian's death sentence in China sets worrying tone, experts say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/15/hostage-diplomacy-canadians-death-sentence-in-china-sets-worrying-tone-experts-say |website=www.theguardian.com |date=January 15, 2019 |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116073516/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/15/hostage-diplomacy-canadians-death-sentence-in-china-sets-worrying-tone-experts-say |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |url-status=live }} The 2019 arrest of Australian Yang Hengjun is seen by many to be a continuation of the hostage diplomacy strategy and to be direct retaliation for the Australian government strongly condemning the arrest of the Canadians.{{cite web |last1=Medcalf |first1=Rory |title=Arrest of Yang Hengjun drags Australia into China's hostage diplomacy |url=https://nsc.crawford.anu.edu.au/department-news/13717/arrest-yang-hengjun-drags-australia-chinas-hostage-diplomacy |website=nsc.crawford.anu.edu.au |publisher=Australian National University |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216224329/https://nsc.crawford.anu.edu.au/department-news/13717/arrest-yang-hengjun-drags-australia-chinas-hostage-diplomacy |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last1=Dixon|first1=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=2019-01-24|title=China's arrest of Australian writer is called 'hostage diplomacy'|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-china-writer-arrested-20190124-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216224317/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-china-writer-arrested-20190124-story.html|archive-date=December 16, 2019|access-date=December 17, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times|location=Beijing}}{{cite web |last1=Panda |first1=Ankit |title=China's 'Hostage Diplomacy' Cannot Be Allowed to Stand |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/chinas-hostage-diplomacy-cannot-be-allowed-to-stand/ |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217042323/https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/chinas-hostage-diplomacy-cannot-be-allowed-to-stand/ |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}

China's ambassador to Canada, Lu Shaye, wrote in a Hill Times op-ed on January 9, accusing Canada of "Western egotism and white supremacy".[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/09/china-ambassador-canada-white-supremacy-huawei "China's ambassador accuses Canada of 'white supremacy' in Huawei CFO arrest"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110010856/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/09/china-ambassador-canada-white-supremacy-huawei |date=January 10, 2019 }}, The Guardian, 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.hilltimes.com/2019/01/09/double-standard-justice-canadians-chinese/182367|title=China's ambassador: why the double standard on justice for Canadians, Chinese?|last=Lu|first=Shaye|date=January 9, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2018|website=The Hill Times|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109231005/https://www.hilltimes.com/2019/01/09/double-standard-justice-canadians-chinese/182367|archive-date=January 9, 2019|url-status=live}} He warned on January 17 that he believed there would be "repercussions" from China if Canada were to choose to exclude Huawei from supplying equipment for its future 5G networks.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/china-envoy-warning-huawei-ban-1.4982601 |title=Chinese envoy to Canada warns of 'repercussions' if Ottawa bans Huawei from 5G mobile phone network |author=Thomson Reuters |date=January 17, 2019 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |website=CBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117232315/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/china-envoy-warning-huawei-ban-1.4982601 |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Global Times editor Hu Xijin denounced Canada's 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou and stated, "I want to tell America that while you cannot beat Huawei in the market, do not use despicable means and play dirty."{{Cite book |last=Mao |first=Lin |title=China under Xi Jinping: A New Assessment |publisher=Leiden University Press |year=2024 |isbn=9789087284411 |editor-last=Fang |editor-first=Qiang |chapter=From Trade War to New Cold War: Popular Nationalism and the Global Times on Weibo under Xi Jinping |editor-last2=Li |editor-first2=Xiaobing}}{{Rp|page=320}}

On November 6, 2019, Geng Shuang, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged the re-elected Canadian government to release Meng Wanzhou to move the bilateral relationship between China and Canada "onto the right track".{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1713798.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 6, 2019|website=www.fmprc.gov.cn|access-date=November 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206201114/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1713798.shtml|archive-date=February 6, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada-idUSKBN1XG0ZT|title=China urges re-elected Canadian government to free Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou|date=November 6, 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=November 24, 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109053615/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-huawei-tech-canada-idUSKBN1XG0ZT|archive-date=November 9, 2019|url-status=live}}

Meng Wanzhou's father and Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, says she should be proud to be a bargaining chip between China and the United States. He says the experience of hardship and suffering is good for Meng, who now calls him much more than in the past, when she might not even text him for an entire year. Ren states that when Meng returns to Huawei, she will keep her old job, because the company would lose its competitive edge if led by someone without strategic acumen.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/01/tech/huawei-ceo-ren-zhengfei-daughter/index.html|title=Huawei CEO says his daughter should be proud she became a 'bargaining chip' in the trade war|work=CNN Business|date=December 2019 |access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231154856/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/01/tech/huawei-ceo-ren-zhengfei-daughter/index.html|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}

A White House official stated that "President Donald Trump did not know about a U.S. request for her extradition from Canada before he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and agreed to a 90-day truce in the brewing trade war",{{cite news |title=White House, Trudeau seek to distance themselves from Huawei move |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech/white-house-trudeau-seek-to-distance-themselves-from-huawei-movancouve-idUSKBN1O604J |work=Reuters |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124136/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech/white-house-trudeau-seek-to-distance-themselves-from-huawei-movancouve-idUSKBN1O604J |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |url-status=live }} while U.S. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton said that he knew in advance of Meng's arrest.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/06/national-security-advisor-bolton-knew-before-huawei-executive-arrest.html|title=National security advisor John Bolton says 'I knew in advance' about arrest of Huawei executive – Trump reportedly did not|publisher=CNBC|date=December 6, 2018|access-date=December 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207114733/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/06/national-security-advisor-bolton-knew-before-huawei-executive-arrest.html|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live}}

U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer said that Meng Wanzhou's arrest was "a criminal justice matter" that should have no impact on the trade talks between both countries,{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/video/4745196/robert-lighthizer-says-huaweis-meng-wanzhous-arrest-is-a-criminal-justice-matter/|title=Robert Lighthizer says Huawei's Meng Wanzhou's arrest is 'a criminal justice matter'|website=globalnews.ca|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220231534/https://globalnews.ca/video/4745196/robert-lighthizer-says-huaweis-meng-wanzhous-arrest-is-a-criminal-justice-matter/|archive-date=December 20, 2018|url-status=live}} but Trump said he could intervene, in order to get a good trade deal with China.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46533971|title=Trump could intervene in Huawei court case|work=BBC News |date=December 12, 2018|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218225839/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46533971|archive-date=December 18, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/12/meng-wanzhou-arrest-trump|title=Trump Basically Admits Chinese Tech Exec Is His Political Prisoner|first=Bess|last=Levin|website=The Hive|date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117061753/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/12/meng-wanzhou-arrest-trump|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}} U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added, foreign policy must be taken into consideration in this case, and the mission is "America First."{{cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-has-authority-to-pardon-huawei-cfo-to-close-china-trade-deal-judge-napolitano|title=Trump has authority to pardon Huawei CFO to close China trade deal: Judge Napolitano|first=Henry|last=Fernandez|date=December 13, 2018|website=FOXBusiness|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219174823/https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-has-authority-to-pardon-huawei-cfo-to-close-china-trade-deal-judge-napolitano|archive-date=December 19, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/if-courts-say-to-extradite-huawei-exec-justice-minister-will-have-to-make-call-1.4214640|title=If courts say to extradite Huawei exec, justice minister will have to make call - CTV News|website=www.ctvnews.ca|date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217192520/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/if-courts-say-to-extradite-huawei-exec-justice-minister-will-have-to-make-call-1.4214640|archive-date=December 17, 2018|url-status=live}} The remarks were criticized for politicizing the situation.{{cite news |title=Trump intervention comment may be gift to Huawei CFO |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech-meng/trump-intervention-comment-may-be-gift-to-huawei-cfo-idUSKBN1OC07J |work=Reuters |date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213210910/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech-meng/trump-intervention-comment-may-be-gift-to-huawei-cfo-idUSKBN1OC07J |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ljunggren |first1=David |title=Canada warns U.S. not to politicize extradition cases |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech/canada-warns-u-s-not-to-politicize-extradition-cases-idUSKBN1OB2GX |work=Reuters |date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213182743/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech/canada-warns-u-s-not-to-politicize-extradition-cases-idUSKBN1OB2GX |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |url-status=live }} Pompeo later rejected any connection between the arrest of the two Michaels in China and Meng Wanzhou.{{cite news|title=Pompeo rejects link between Meng case and Canadians detained by China|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5798291/mike-pompeo-official-visit-ottawa/|publisher=Reuters|date=August 22, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128213249/https://globalnews.ca/news/5798291/mike-pompeo-official-visit-ottawa/|archive-date=November 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

The United States House of Representatives passed a bill praising Canada for the detention of Meng Wanzhou.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3033158/us-passes-bill-praising-canada-over-detention-huaweis-meng|title=US passes bill praising Canada over detention of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou|publisher=SCMP|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231181951/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3033158/us-passes-bill-praising-canada-over-detention-huaweis-meng|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}

Former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, said Meng's case is not politically motivated at all and that he would be happy to testify under oath in Canadian court.{{cite news |title=John Bolton offers to testify in Canadian court on Meng Wanzhou detention |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-john-bolton-offers-to-testify-in-canadian-court-on-meng-wanzhou/ |agency=The Globe and Mail |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=August 2, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701062359/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-john-bolton-offers-to-testify-in-canadian-court-on-meng-wanzhou/ }}

Criminal defence lawyer Gary Botting, who has provided some legal advice to Meng's defence team, and is one of the country's leading authorities on extradition law,{{cite news|url=http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=fd8c2faf-0a82-465f-953f-11f129e2e7e0|first=Norma|last=Greenway|title=Schreiber challenges extradition treaty|work=The Windsor Star|date=July 6, 2009|access-date=January 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413130028/http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=fd8c2faf-0a82-465f-953f-11f129e2e7e0|archive-date=April 13, 2014|url-status=dead}};{{cite web| url = http://www.thefilipinopost.com/article/1642-another-kick-chingkoe-can.html| title = Another kick at the Chingkoe can {{!}} The Filipino Post {{!}} Philippine (Filipino) & Pinoy newspaper - Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa| access-date = November 17, 2020| archive-date = June 24, 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231748/http://www.thefilipinopost.com/article/1642-another-kick-chingkoe-can.html| url-status = dead}}; {{cite web| url = http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/blogs/giroday/| title = The Back Story - Winnipeg Free Press| access-date = November 17, 2020| archive-date = June 24, 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231744/https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/blogs/giroday/| url-status = dead}}; Sarah Boyd, "Book Review: Canadian Extradition Law Practice", Prism Magazine, February 5, 2012, http://prism-magazine.com/2012/02/book-review-canadian-extradition-law-practice/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119081318/http://prism-magazine.com/2012/02/book-review-canadian-extradition-law-practice/ |date=January 19, 2013 }} described Meng's extradition case as "silly" and obviously a "political type of enterprise that the United States is engaged in."{{cite web|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/canada/video/extradition-of-huawei-s-cfo-is-silly-lawyer~1625412|title=Extradition of Huawei's CFO is 'silly': Lawyer|work=BNN Bloomberg|date=March 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231740/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/canada/video/extradition-of-huawei-s-cfo-is-silly-lawyer~1625412|archive-date=June 24, 2019|url-status=live}} According to Botting, section 23 of the Extradition Act specifically gives the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada the statutory authority to terminate any extradition case, even though the Attorney General, David Lametti, claimed that to do so would violate the rule of law. Botting says that "It's really silliness for him to say he has to obey the rule of law because it's before the courts. No. What (the law) says is that he can stop the whole process and the courts must comply with whatever he decides."{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/01/06/news/meng-extradition-case-set-begin|title=Meng extradition case set to begin|date=January 6, 2020|work=Canada's National Observer|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111060438/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/01/06/news/meng-extradition-case-set-begin|archive-date=January 11, 2020|url-status=live}} Botting believes Meng should be discharged based on the issue of double criminality which should be a "fairly open and shut case" for her.{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/double-criminality-issues-in-meng-case-unlike-run-of-the-mill-extraditions-lawyer|title='Double criminality' issues in Meng case unlike 'run-of-the mill' extraditions: lawyer|date=June 10, 2019|work=Vancouver Sun|access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231739/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/double-criminality-issues-in-meng-case-unlike-run-of-the-mill-extraditions-lawyer|archive-date=June 24, 2019|url-status=live}}

According to Joseph Bellinger, a former legal adviser and senior associate counsel to the George W. Bush administration, he is not aware of the U.S. ever having prosecuted someone for the conduct which Meng is being indicted. He further adds that the charges levelled against Meng "go well beyond any set of criminal charges related to violations of U.S. sanctions in Iran of which I am aware."{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-trial-allegations-1.5298607|title=Court documents reveal just how complex and unusual a Meng Wanzhou trial could be|date=September 29, 2019|work=CBC|access-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929131055/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/meng-wanzhou-trial-allegations-1.5298607|archive-date=September 29, 2019|url-status=live}}

Eric Lewis, a U.S. lawyer specializing in international fraud and corruption cases, says, "in a case like this one, where Ms. Meng is in all likelihood executing corporate policy, one would expect individuals not to be charged and the corporation would be fined." For example, in June 2018, Ericsson reached a settlement with the U.S. government, agreeing to pay more than US$145,000 for breaching sanctions against Sudan. Lewis speculates that the U.S. picked Canada to arrest Meng and not other countries it has extradition treaties with, because South American countries are more formal and extradition could take longer, and European countries might be less willing to cooperate on prosecutions of a political or strategic character.{{cite web|url=https://globe2go.pressreader.com/@LWS416/csb_IiYIoGbZq_W6VPZgvxcpJ-tDz7lB9m4iZ2dNW7gDiVXgVEGO11x2s3AC8VBLMBnB|title=Power Play|work=Globe2Go|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823224023/https://globe2go.pressreader.com/@LWS416/csb_IiYIoGbZq_W6VPZgvxcpJ-tDz7lB9m4iZ2dNW7gDiVXgVEGO11x2s3AC8VBLMBnB|url-status=live}}

On June 23, 2020, former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour called for the justice minister to end the extradition process, citing Canada's interests and lack of Canadian sanctions on Iran similar to that of the U.S.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/halt-extradition-huawei-exec-says-former-canada-supreme-090301546.html|title=Halt extradition of Huawei exec says former Canada Supreme Court Justice|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625092253/https://news.yahoo.com/halt-extradition-huawei-exec-says-former-canada-supreme-090301546.html|url-status=live}} Former Justice Minister Allan Rock also called for the release of Meng, describing the government's insistence on the rule of law as "formulaic, robotic incantations."{{cite web|url=http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/news/national_news/article_00499325-88c1-53e4-bc66-2c9500d8b972.html|title=Trudeau faces contradictory calls to punish China, give in to 'hostage diplomacy'|date=June 24, 2020 |access-date=June 25, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627033611/http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/news/national_news/article_00499325-88c1-53e4-bc66-2c9500d8b972.html|url-status=live}}

Former Liberal attorney general and justice minister, Anne McLellan, supported Trudeau's position not to release Meng in exchange for the Michaels due to the dangerous precedent that would set for other Canadians. However, Michael Kovrig's wife Vina Nadjibulla disagreed, citing the similar response by China with the detention of the Garratts in 2014.

University of British Columbia political science & international law professor Michael Byers said that it was clear to him the CBSA was asking Meng questions during the three-hour examination based on discussions with American authorities, although he added that "That's not necessarily improper."{{cite web|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/what-actually-happened-to-meng-wanzhou-at-yvr-testimony-offers-some-insights-1.5165540|title=What actually happened to Meng Wanzhou at YVR? Testimony offers some insights|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811141954/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/what-actually-happened-to-meng-wanzhou-at-yvr-testimony-offers-some-insights-1.5165540|url-status=live}}

According to former San Francisco County Superior Court judge Julie M. Tang, extradition judge Heather Holmes used convoluted and deceptive language so that "it could have gone either way" but "she chose to go down the way to find for extradition."{{cite web | url=https://podur.org/2021/09/29/aep-99-the-meng-wanzhou-victory-lap/ | title=AEP 99: The Meng Wanzhou Victory Lap | date=September 29, 2021 | access-date=September 19, 2022 | archive-date=September 22, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922043908/https://podur.org/2021/09/29/aep-99-the-meng-wanzhou-victory-lap/ | url-status=live }}

Economist Jeffrey Sachs stated that the United States rarely arrests senior businesspeople for their companies' crimes and that "to start this practice with a leading Chinese business person — rather than the dozens of culpable American CEOs and CFEOs — is a stunning provocation to the Chinese government, business community, and public".{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1345216431 |title=Sanctions as War: Anti-Imperialist Perspectives on American Geo-Economic Strategy |date=2023 |publisher= Haymarket Books|isbn=978-1-64259-812-4 |location= |pages=312 |oclc=1345216431 |last1=Davis |first1=Stuart }}

• The arrest and imprisonment of Frédéric Pierucci, the former international sales executive of the French multinational manufacturer Alstom, during General Electric's purchase of Alstom's energy sector.

{{Reflist}}

{{Huawei}}

{{Meng Wanzhou and the 2 Michaels}}

{{Canada–China relations}}

{{China–United States relations}}

{{Iran–United States relations}}

Category:History of Huawei

Category:China Construction Bank

Category:Canadian extradition case law

Category:Canada–China relations

Category:Canada–Iran relations

Category:Canada–United States relations

Category:China–Iran relations

Category:China–United States relations

Category:Iran–United States relations

de:Meng Wanzhou#US-Justiz