Scientologists accused of extensive spy network

Vancouver Sun/April 30, 1992

Toronto - A Church of Scientology spy network extended far beyond four government agencies that they're charged with infiltrating, a breach of trust trial involving church members was told Tuesday.

Scientology's Toronto organization and five former staff members are on trial on charges of criminal breach of trust.

The charges arise from the planting during the mid-1970s of "agents" in the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto police and provincial attorney-general's office.

But during his fifth day on the stand, a former top Scientologist admitted their "target list" of supposed enemies encompassed "probably a few dozen" agencies and individuals church officials wanted to spy on.

However, Bryan Levman told the general division of Ontario Court that Scientologists weren't successful in penetrating all targets.

Testifying under a grant of immunity, Levman has admitted to overseeing numerous break-ins and intelligence operations against Scientology's enemies.

But he agreed with lawyer Mel Green, who's on the Scientology defence team, that the crimes weren't committed for personal profit.

"All of us were poor, extremely poor," Levman testified. "We didn't take any money during the rip-offs, just photocopies."

Levman also said he couldn't recall specific incidents where he had first-hand information on any of the individual Scientology defendants involved in illegal acts.