The Vancouver Police Department has declared “completely innocent” three men who were wanted for questioning after they were observed taking photographs at Pacific Centre yesterday (January 14).

“Vancouver Police have identified and spoken to the three men seen in security footage at Pacific Centre Mall,” reads January 15 media release. “All three men were cooperative with investigators and they had a very logical explanation regarding their behaviour. The investigation has conclusively determined that their actions were completely innocent.”

https://twitter.com/VancouverPD/status/688138925550911494

The release also notes the VPD never intended for its interest in the men to become public.

“Information, including photographs of the three men, was obtained and released by a Vancouver news outlet via an unknown source, and was not intended or authorized to be shared with the general public,” it continues. “The information was part of an internal police bulletin circulated amongst police officers throughout the province of BC.”