Four men, including members of Canada's military, have been charged in a disturbing terrorism case involving an alleged plot to seize land near Quebec City.
Four Military Affiliates Arrested in Violent Extremism Plot in Quebec
Four Military Affiliates Arrested in Violent Extremism Plot in Quebec
Canadian authorities uncover a significant arms cache and military training linked to a group planning land seizure.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the arrests on July 8, 2025, describing the group as engaging in "ideologically motivated violent extremism." Authorities indicated that the men—Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both from Québec City, Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville, and Matthew Forbes, 33, from Pont-Rouge—are accused of facilitating terrorist activity and face multiple charges, including terrorism-related offenses and firearms violations.
During the investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year and a half, the RCMP seized a significant arsenal, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, 11,000 rounds of ammunition, and military gear such as night vision goggles. The police's investigation involved a collaborative effort with national security teams, intelligence services, and various law enforcement bodies.
Photographic evidence released by the RCMP revealed individuals in military-style fatigues engaged in exercises that included weapon handling, ambush tactics, and survival training. A scouting operation was also indicated, though details of the group’s ideology or specific motivations remain unclear. The charges come amid heightened scrutiny on domestic terrorism and extremism in Canada, particularly concerning military personnel's involvement.
The military has yet to respond to inquiries about the matter, and the four men are slated to appear in court to face the charges. The nature of this incident raises significant concerns regarding the intersection of military affiliation and radical behavior in Canada. As the investigations continue, authorities emphasize the critical nature of monitoring and addressing potential threats of domestic terrorism.
Ian Austen, who has reported on Canada for The Times for over two decades, focuses on the country's politics and cultural dynamics from Ottawa.
During the investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year and a half, the RCMP seized a significant arsenal, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, 11,000 rounds of ammunition, and military gear such as night vision goggles. The police's investigation involved a collaborative effort with national security teams, intelligence services, and various law enforcement bodies.
Photographic evidence released by the RCMP revealed individuals in military-style fatigues engaged in exercises that included weapon handling, ambush tactics, and survival training. A scouting operation was also indicated, though details of the group’s ideology or specific motivations remain unclear. The charges come amid heightened scrutiny on domestic terrorism and extremism in Canada, particularly concerning military personnel's involvement.
The military has yet to respond to inquiries about the matter, and the four men are slated to appear in court to face the charges. The nature of this incident raises significant concerns regarding the intersection of military affiliation and radical behavior in Canada. As the investigations continue, authorities emphasize the critical nature of monitoring and addressing potential threats of domestic terrorism.
Ian Austen, who has reported on Canada for The Times for over two decades, focuses on the country's politics and cultural dynamics from Ottawa.
