The federal RCMP say four men, including active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, are facing charges in an "ideologically motivated violent extremism" plot.
Police said three of the men "took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity," according to a news release from RCMP Federal Policing National Security – Eastern Region Tuesday (July 8). The release added the men were allegedly involved in activities "intending to forcibly take possession of land" in the Québec City area.
Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, of Québec City, 24-year-old Simon Angers-Audet of Neuville, Que. and 25-year-old Raphaël Lagacé of Québec City are each facing a charge of facilitating terrorist activity. Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Que. is facing several charges including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives and possession of controlled items.
RCMP added there are additional charges related to the possession of prohibited devices, transfer of firearms and ammunition, careless storage of firearms, possession of explosives and possession of controlled items.
Chabot, Angers-Audet and Lagacé and are accused of planning to create an anti-government militia.
"To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises. They also conducted a scouting operation," the release says. Police added a variety of firearms, some prohibited, as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment were allegedly used.
RCMP said that searches in January 2024 in the Québec City area led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment.
Police also said one of the accused allegedly started and used an Instagram account aimed at recruiting new members into the anti-government militia.
The four men are set to appear in court in Québec City Tuesday (July 8).
