A high level civilian employee who’s an expert East Asian affairs faces charges in a major national security case.

Cameron Jay Ortis was in court today in Ottawa, charged with breaking Canada’s secrets law.

He faces charges under three sections of the Security of Information Act and two Criminal Code provisions. Prosecutors allege he tried to disclose classified information.

“In broad strokes, the allegations are he obtained, stored and processed sensitive information we believe he intended to communicate it to people he shouldn’t be communicating it to,” said prosecutor John MacFarlane outside of court. “I won’t be commenting in anymore detail.”

On the campaign trail today, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau confirmed he had heard about the arrest but wouldn’t comment since it’s a matter currently before the courts.

The RCMP isn’t saying if he’s still an employee.

If convicted, Ortis faces up to 33 years in prison.