Canada’s military police have charged a senior commander following an investigation into irregularities surrounding compensation and benefits.

Col. James Smith, who is listed as the current commander of Task Force Latvia, faces one count of prejudice to good order and discipline under the National Defence Act. 

Allegations against him were reported in May 2025 and apparently relate to benefits afforded by the Canadian Armed Forces.

A written statement from the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal says Smith was commander during the investigation.

The Department of National Defence was asked about Smith’s current status — whether he has been temporarily relieved from his post and returned to Canada, or if he remains in Latvia.

In a written statement late Tuesday, the department confirmed he remains in command, but added “the commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command is assessing what actions, if any, may be required as a result of the charge.”

In other separate cases, the military has asked commanding officers to temporarily step down while investigations were conducted and during legal proceedings.

The statement also doesn’t go into specifics about what Smith may have done.

Brig-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, the provost marshal, also said that should the charge actually proceed to full prosecution, Smith will be tried in the military justice system.

The military’s operations command and members of Task Force Latvia co-operated fully with investigators throughout the course of the investigation, Hanrahan said.

Smith is a longtime member of the army who has served in various senior positions, including as director of the Land Warfare Centre.