In a concerning arrest, four men have been charged with planning to forcibly seize land near Quebec City, as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reveal their involvement in ideologically driven extremist activities. Authorities seized significant amounts of weapons and explosives during the investigation.
Plot Unraveled: Four Men Arrested in Land Seizure Conspiracy Near Quebec City
Plot Unraveled: Four Men Arrested in Land Seizure Conspiracy Near Quebec City
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested four individuals, including military personnel, in a terrorism case linked to an alleged scheme to seize land.
In a significant development in a terrorism investigation, four men have been arrested and charged for allegedly plotting to seize land near Quebec City, which the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) characterized as an act of “ideologically motivated violent extremism.” The men include two identified members of the Canadian military.
On Tuesday, the RCMP announced that three of the individuals had taken definitive steps to support terrorist activities, leading to terrorism-related charges against them. A fourth individual is facing multiple firearms and explosives charges. The arrested individuals have been identified as Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both residing in Québec City, as well as Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville. The fourth suspect, Matthew Forbes, 33, hails from Pont-Rouge, Quebec.
Their initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, but the police did not disclose which suspects are currently serving in the armed forces. According to the RCMP’s statement, the organization did not provide extensive details regarding the group’s ideology or specific motivations for their intended land seizure. Released photographs depict at least seven individuals clad in what seem to be Canadian military fatigues, participating in military-style training that included weapon handling, ambush tactics, survival strategies, and navigation drills.
Additionally, the RCMP reported that the suspects undertook a scouting operation. The investigation has involved a special team on national security, incorporating efforts from Canada’s intelligence service, prosecutors, and various law enforcement agencies, and has been underway for over a year and a half.
Notably, during raids conducted in January 2024 around Quebec City, police seized a significant cache of weapons, which included 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition, over 130 magazines, and several pairs of night vision goggles, alongside other military equipment.
This alarming episode highlights growing concerns surrounding domestic extremism in Canada, with implications for national security and public safety. Ian Austen, reporting from Ottawa, has covered Canadian affairs for two decades, providing insights into the complexities surrounding current events.
