Canadian national police arrest 4 for 'ideologically motivated violent extremism'
3 of 4 suspects active Canadian Armed Forces members accused of planning anti-government group in Quebec
HAMILTON, Canada
Canadian national police on Tuesday arrested four men, including three active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, for an alleged plot to form an anti-government extremist militia in the Quebec City area.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Marc-Aurele Chabot, 24, of Quebec City, Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville and Raphael Lagace, 25, of Quebec City "took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity."
"The three accused were planning to create anti-government militia. To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises," it said.
Instagram page of one of the suspects who allegedly plotted to form an anti-government extremist militia in the Quebec City area (source: RCMP)
The RCMP also noted that they carried out a scouting operation using firearms, some of which were prohibited, high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment.
A fourth suspect, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, was also charged with several offenses. He faces "possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items," under the Criminal Code, the Explosives Act, and the Defence Production Act.
"Searches conducted in January 2024 in the Québec City area led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment," it added.
Noting that the investigation was led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), with the help from the Canadian Armed Forces, local police and authorities, it reported that the four are expected to appear in court Tuesday in Quebec City.
"The RCMP remains committed to fighting ideologically motivated violent extremism. The public’s assistance is key to combatting this major issue, which is a national priority," said police.
In January 2017, a man gunned down six Muslims and wounded 19 while they were at prayer in the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City.
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