Four men, including Canadian military personnel, are charged with planning a violent land seizure near Quebec City, involving a significant cache of weapons and explosives.
Four Military Members Arrested in Quebec Land Seizure Plot
Four Military Members Arrested in Quebec Land Seizure Plot
A terrorism investigation uncovers a plot involving firearms, explosives, and military training near Quebec City.
In a significant development from a lengthy terrorism investigation, four men, allegedly including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, have been charged with planning a violent land appropriation near Quebec City. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Tuesday that this group engaged in “ideologically motivated violent extremism.”
The charges stem from actions taken by three of the individuals to further terrorist activities, while a fourth faces various firearms and explosives charges. The police confiscated a substantial arsenal, which includes a multitude of firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
The arrested individuals consist of Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both residing in Quebec City, alongside Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville, Quebec, all charged with “facilitating a terrorist act.” Meanwhile, Matthew Forbes, 33, from Pont-Rouge, Quebec, faces separate charges related to explosives and weapons.
The RCMP report did not specify which individuals might belong to the military, nor did it disclose the particular ideology behind the group or their intent in seizing the land. However, police released photos indicating that at least seven individuals were involved in military-style training, including exercises surrounding navigation, survival, ambush techniques, and shooting tactics. The images highlighted the group’s use of Canadian military fatigues.
Moreover, the Mounties reported that this group had executed a scouting operation as part of their planned activities. The investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year and a half, involved a concerted effort from a specialized national security task force that included intelligence service members, law enforcement, and prosecutors.
In January 2024, the investigation culminated in multiple raids around Quebec City, where authorities uncovered alarming evidence, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition, 130 magazines, and night vision equipment.
The situation continues to develop as the court hearings for the arrested individuals are set for Tuesday.
