What we know (so far) about the plot to seize land in Quebec and the military men allegedly behind it
CBC
The RCMP made shocking allegations this week when they accused four men, including Canadian Armed Forces members, of amassing a trove of weapons and explosives as part of a scheme to take over land near Quebec's capital.
Police called the plot an act of "ideologically motivated violent extremism."
National security experts say it's likely the first time that active members of the Canadian military have been charged with terrorism-related offences. The case is also unique due to the sheer scale of weapons and gear seized, and allegations some of the equipment was taken from the military.
This is just the start of what could be a long journey through the courts. But here's what we know so far about the extremist plot and the men allegedly behind it.
The accused are all relatively young men from Quebec, all with ties to the armed forces or cadets.
Three of the four accused — Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, of Quebec City; Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville, Que; and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, also of Quebec City — have been charged with the serious offence of facilitating a terrorist activity.
According to court documents, the alleged offence took place in Montreal, Quebec City, Petawawa, Ont., and Rolphton, Ont., between 2021 and 2024.
If convicted, they face up to 14 years in prison.
The three also face a slew of charges related to the firearms, explosives and other gear the RCMP uncovered.
The documents show Lagacé is accused of storing 50 firearms illegally.
Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, Que., faces charges including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items. He also faces charges related to the Explosives Act and Defence Production Act, which regulates access to military supplies.
The Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal said in a statement Tuesday evening that Forbes and Chabot are serving members — both corporals based at CFB Valcartier.
A colleague of Chabot's confirmed that he was serving last summer in the Vandoos, also known as the Royal 22nd Regiment. CBC News has agreed to withhold his identity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on Canadian Armed Forces matters.
The colleague expressed concerns about comments Chabot had made about the federal government and then prime minister Justin Trudeau. He described those comments as "almost treasonous."
WARNING: This story contains distressing content, including racist, violent and antisemitic language.
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