Canadian Armed Forces members accused of forming ‘anti-government militia,' plotting to take land in Quebec
—
an act that authorities have described as extremism driven by anti-government beliefs.
Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, of Quebec City, Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, of Quebec City, took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity, the RCMP announced Tuesday.
The men were planning to create an 'anti-government militia' by taking part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises, police said in a statement. They also conducted a scouting operation.
The accused allegedly used high-capacity magazines, tactical equipment and various firearms in the activities — which police said took place in Quebec and Ontario.
A fourth person, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Que., faces charges that include possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives. Each of the accused was expected to appear in court in Quebec City on Tuesday.
In an emailed statement, the Canadian Armed Forces said it was aware of the arrests and charges against two active members of the military.
The RCMP seized several firearms during searches in January 2024.
'The Canadian Armed Forces is taking these allegations very seriously and has fully participated in the investigation' the statement said, directing further questions to the RCMP.
A Facebook profile that appears to belong to Chabot shows he is friends with people that have the same name as Lagacé and Forbes. The account in Chabot's name lists him as working in the military.
The profile in Lagacé's name says he worked in the firearms department at an outdoor equipment store in Quebec, while the account for Forbes displays a cover photo with a Canadian flag and what appears to be six military figures dressed in equipment and carrying firearms.
According to RCMP Staff Sgt. Camille Habel, the individuals were driven by an extremist ideology that opposes authority and government, with the goal to establish their own independent land.
Their exact motive is unclear, but generally speaking, 'the long term goal is to create your own society,' she told the Star.
'Some groups might want to make sure today's society falls, in order for theirs to rise. So what you would need, in that case, is a piece of land where you can start your new society, or have a place to meet.'
The men are accused of using a private Instagram page to broadcast their military-style training and recruit members to the anti-government militia.
The RCMP say one of the accused allegedly created and administered an Instagram account with the aim of recruiting new members to the anti-government militia.
'They were trying to recruit people who had knowledge and ability to use guns,' RCMP Cpl. Erique Gasse said.
The page is still active, but authorities were working to shut it down 'as soon as possible,' he said.
The investigation into the suspects began in March 2023, thanks to a tip received by officers with the RCMP's Integrated National Security Enforcement Team.
In January 2024, police executed searches at multiple addresses in the Quebec City area, including at some residences, that led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories.
Police seized 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, plus 11,000 rounds of ammunition in their searches.
Approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment were also seized.
The charges against the four men were not laid until Tuesday. None of the allegations have been tested in court.
The lengthy duration from the beginning of the probe to the filing of charges was due to the investigation's complex nature, Habel said, emphasizing that authorities needed to proceed with caution before bringing forth terrorism charges.
The four accused were being monitored after the search warrants were executed last year, she said.
'If for some reason, something happened, or if there was a sign that public safety was at risk, we would have done whatever was needed to be done to deal with that threat.'
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