Two members of Canada’s armed forces have been charged in connection with a plot to establish an “anti-government militia” aiming to forcibly seize land in Quebec.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested four suspects in total, revealing that three of them had taken “concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity.”
In an official statement, the RCMP said the accused planned to form an anti-government militia, engaging in military-style training, including shooting, ambush tactics, survival, and navigation exercises. They also carried out scouting operations.
The group allegedly used various firearms, including some prohibited weapons, high-capacity magazines, and tactical gear such as grenades and night-vision goggles.
Court records indicate that training sessions took place between June 2021 and January 2024 across Quebec City, Montreal, Rolphton, and Petawawa, Ontario.
The accused—Marc-Aurèle Chabot (24) and Raphaël Lagacé (25) from Quebec City, and Simon Angers-Audet (24) of Neuville, Quebec—were charged with facilitating terrorist activity following their arrests on Tuesday. They also face charges related to illegal gun storage and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.
A fourth suspect, Matthew Forbes (33) from Pont-Rouge, Quebec, was charged with possession of guns, explosives, and prohibited devices.
The Department of National Defence confirmed that two suspects are active Canadian Armed Forces members. The military is cooperating fully with the RCMP investigation.
Police investigations began in March 2023, after searches in January 2024 led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition, and other weapons in Quebec City.
Corporal Erique Gasse described the case as “ideologically motivated violent extremism.” The suspects intended to establish an anti-government community north of Quebec City and used a private Instagram account to recruit members.
The RCMP shared a photo from the account showing seven individuals in military-style uniforms holding firearms, though identities were not disclosed.
“We know there were followers on that site,” said Cpl Gasse. “They were recruiting people knowledgeable about guns and informing followers about training locations in Quebec and Ontario.”
Regarding further arrests, Cpl Gasse stated the investigation of the four suspects is complete but could reopen if new evidence emerges.
