China is playing “aggressive games” with democracies and Canadian institutions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned Monday after a report of foreign interference in his election.

His comments came after local broadcaster Global News reported that Beijing had funded a “clandestine network” of candidates in a recent vote, and days after authorities began investigating illegal Chinese police stations in the Toronto area.

“We have taken significant steps to strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes and our systems and will continue to invest in the fight against electoral interference, against foreign interference in our democracies and institutions,” Trudeau told reporters.

“Unfortunately, we see that countries, state actors from around the world, be it China or others, continue to play aggressive games with our institutions, with our democracies,” he said.

Citing unnamed sources, Global News said intelligence officials told the Trudeau administration that China was trying to influence or undermine its democratic process.

The report alleges that Beijing, through an Ontario legislature, directed transfers of funds and others to at least 11 federal election candidates and Chinese activists who worked as their campaign staff.

It also says Beijing has tried to place agents in MPs’ offices to influence policy.

Last month, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it was investigating reports of “criminal activity relating to so-called ‘police stations’.

According to Spain-based human rights group Safeguard Defenders, the police posts were used by Chinese police to conduct operations on foreign soil and pressure Chinese nationals to return to China to face criminal charges.

China has denied allegations of illegal activity, saying the sites only provide services – like driver’s license renewals – to Chinese nationals abroad.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press briefing on Tuesday that China has “no interest” in Canada’s internal affairs.

“Relationships between states can only be built on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit,” he said. “China-Canada relations are no exception. Canada should stop making comments that hurt China-Canada relations.”