I have worked in the field. As I told you, I worked in an embassy myself and I have dealt with many embassies in a number of countries. Yes, I can confirm that information is gathered through embassies.
They are already conducting investigations, basically because it is the job of the political section and the trade section to keep abreast of what Canadian citizens and companies are doing so they can interact with the government and develop markets for Canada in those countries. So these investigations are done in the field. CIDA is also involved in the process, in that its projects are also part of an environment in which Canadian officials gather information.
I would like to bring up one very important point. If a Canadian official overseas breaks a local law, he is liable to be charged, not only in the country, but also in Canada. It is an offence under the Criminal Code. So, in the event of support, advice and encouragement to companies in the field, whether before or after the fact, a federal employee may be accountable.