VANCOUVER - The Reform party is calling on Ottawa to investigate the RCMP following suggestions of a coverup of alleged tampering with Canadian immigration computers by Chinese gangs.

The Mounties admit they're investigating the allegations of security breaches at the Canadian High Commission in Hong Kong.

It's alleged that Chinese nationals with links to triads -- powerful organized crime organizations -- paid local commission staff to delete their background computer files.

The inference is that by eliminating their criminal records, triad members could more easily enter Canada.

The RCMP has been investigating the allegations for several years, but only acknowledged the probe Thursday after the situation was revealed in a National Post story.

Reform solicitor-general critic Jim Abbott says the government should immediately review the RCMP's conduct.

An RCMP spokesperson couldn't say when the investigation will end, or if it will lead to any criminal charges.

"We're looking at something that allegedly occurred close to 10 years ago, and it's not in Canada, it is overseas," Sgt. Marc Richer said.

"These are all things that slow down the process."

Reports say high commission staff erased some 800 criminal files between 1986 and 1992. There are also allegations that up to 2,000 blank visa forms disappeared and were used by hundreds of people to enter Canada illegally.

Also in the report, an RCMP corporal accused the RCMP and the federal government of a coverup.

The RCMP says it began an investigation in 1992 and closed the case later that year because it did not uncover any evidence to suggest that employees who had access to the system in Hong Kong manipulated data.

Then in 1995 new information came forward and a new probe was launched. That investigation continues.