The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raised startling accusations this week, alleging that four individuals, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, were involved in accumulating a significant amount of weapons and explosives with the intention of seizing land near the capital of Quebec. Authorities have labeled the scheme as an act of “ideologically motivated violent extremism.”
According to national security experts, this case marks a significant development as it potentially represents the first instance of active military personnel facing terrorism-related charges in Canada. The magnitude of weapons and equipment seized in this case, some of which are suspected to have been obtained from military sources, sets this investigation apart.
The suspects in question are all young men from Quebec with connections to the armed forces or cadet programs. Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Simon Angers-Audet, and Raphaël Lagacé, aged 24 to 25, have been charged with facilitating a terrorist activity that allegedly occurred in multiple locations between 2021 and 2024. If convicted, they could face up to 14 years behind bars.
The accusations against them include illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and related gear, with Lagacé specifically charged with unlawfully storing 50 firearms. Another individual, Matthew Forbes, is facing charges related to various weapons violations and the possession of controlled items.
Forbes and Chabot, both corporals stationed at CFB Valcartier, are active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Concerns have been raised about Chabot’s expressed views on the federal government and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, described as potentially “treasonous.”
The alleged plot involved the group planning to forcibly take control of land near Quebec’s capital, establishing an anti-government militia, and engaging in military-style training activities. The suspects were found to possess a significant arsenal of weapons and equipment, including explosives, firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear.
The seized items also included military-grade equipment such as night-vision goggles and laser aiming devices. The RCMP uncovered a substantial cache of weapons during searches in January last year, marking one of the largest seizures of its kind related to terrorism in Canada.
The motivation behind the suspects’ actions remains unclear, with investigators indicating a desire to form an anti-government militia. The RCMP suggested that individuals involved in ideologically motivated violent extremism often seek to create societal disruption to pursue their own agendas.
The investigation into this case commenced in 2023 and traced back to activities beginning in 2021. The timing coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, during which extremist ideologies were on the rise, exploiting the circumstances to propagate divisive narratives.
The four accused individuals made virtual appearances in court, with their next scheduled court date set for July 14. They have not yet entered pleas, and bail hearings are pending as the legal process unfolds.