Beijing (CNN) The case against the two Canadians detained in the wake of the controversial arrest of a Huawei executive was revealed by China's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission on Monday.

In a statement, former diplomat Michael Kovrig was accused of spying by the Chinese government, including gathering and stealing "sensitive information and other intelligence" since 2017.

Businessman Michael Spavor is accused of providing intelligence to Kovrig, and is described as an "important contact" for the former diplomat.

"Kovrig's alleged behavior of gathering and stealing secrets and other intelligence for a foreign power has seriously violated Chinese laws," the statement said.

In a statement Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "obviously very concerned with this position that China has taken."