Date: 2025 12 08
Conspiracies Fact and Fiction
Understanding and working to uncover those in the shadows, are the same fires that gave birth to APOK. APOK leans heavily on real life examples and experience that is morphed into a fictional story that follows a man shaped by trauma, persuasion, and righteous fury. Every chapter feels like a tension coil pulling tighter.
While I agree that some conspiracies can be far fetched, I believe there is a fine balance for those who believe or dismiss such ideas without evidence. Having worked on several large-scale criminal organization and corruption cases, I can say without a doubt that Conspiracies are indeed a FACT, however being able to prove that they exist can be a REAL challenge. There is a term in policing circles, “knowing something and proving something are two different things”… meaning, knowing that “Person A” is a drug dealer doesn’t necessarily mean there is enough evidence to successfully prosecute them.
Section 465 of the Canadian Criminal Code defines a Conspiracy as a crime hatched by 2 or more people, whether or not the crime is actually committed. Sounds simple, right?? As long as you have 2 or more people planning to do something the persons involved can be arrested, charged and convicted.
The world has had so many government involved conspiracies that it would be impossible to list them all. Even “peaceful” Canadian governments over the years and into present day continues to contribute their fair share of conspiracy skeletons to that growing list…and that list doesn’t include many policies and practices that were made law that would be considered criminal otherwise (that is another conversation altogether).
Likely one of the most appalling and blatant conspiracies involving Canadian government were revealed by the McDonald Commission (Inquiry period 1977 to 1981 – although these records are not in its entirety, they still paint a vivid picture of corruption). For those who aren’t aware of the McDonald Commission, it identified the RCMP as used by the government to conduct “illegal acts” during the time of the FLQ Crisis and the Montreal Olympics. The investigation / Commission was initiated shortly after an RCMP officer was arrested for attempting to bomb a location and claimed that the bombing was part of his “on duty” tasks, and that he had done much worse while employed / directed by the RCMP. The records that existed identified that “illegal” RCMP activities were being shared with senior government officials and that selective record keeping was employed (while some records were destroyed). Incidents where evidence was readily available included, arson, theft of explosives, break-ins, illegal wiretaps and other clandestine acts (remember the definition of a true conspiracy 2 or more).
From an investigator’s perspective, having been involved in several secret investigations and covert activities, I can say that few if any actions of this magnitude occur without management oversight / approval, be that written or verbal. From the information tabled and accepted as evidence in the McDonald Commission, particularly the arson, theft of explosives in combination with the officer’s claims after being caught trying to bomb a location that he had done much worse, naturally triggers many questions, the most obvious, “what is much worse than a bombing?” Naturally, if the arrest of this officer triggered this large-scale Commission, and his claims were substantiated with actual records, the next obvious question, what orders was he given that weren’t properly documented that he described as “much worse”? This is a situation where knowing something and proving something are 2 very different entities… AND where Conspiracy Theorists exist.
Much like an objective scientist, a good investigator approaches a situation, asking questions and making theories that he works to prove or disprove. This working theory is fluid and evolves as more evidence is known. In some cases, despite best efforts, the trail of evidence goes cold. Investigators understand that behind the scenes in many criminal communities that the stakes are high, and that those involved operate are well educated on keeping their mouth shut and destroying all available evidence. Whether they know it or not, I am sure the quote that keeps them up at night is that of, Benjamin Franklin, “Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”
This isn’t just a Canadian situation and as I mentioned, legal versus illegal depends on who is writing or enforcing the law. A clear and more recent example is the COVID response (while relevant, this again that is another conversation altogether).
Maintaining objectivity is key when exploring and identifying the truth. One must remove their ego from the equation and follow the evidence even if it contradicts what they initially believed.
Again, this an ever changing balancing act, is precisely what APOK faces as he wades into the dark waters.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“A decorated detective with a violent past is suddenly the world’s most wanted man – APOK is a pulse-pounding thriller trilogy where street-level policing collides with global conspiracies.”
EVENTS:
Big thanks to the Barrie Public Library for hosting the recent event supporting and promoting local authors on Saturday December 6th, 2025. A big shout out to CTV news Barrie for attending and supporting the event with a piece they released.
It has been nice getting out and meeting and greeting the writing and reading community again. Writing can be a very long and solitary journey before ever inviting others to enjoy the finished product. The production of APOK CrossFire was a 6-year process where spare time was limited to writing, editing repeat. It’s a labor of love.
Have a great week!
Mike