In an alarming revelation, Canadian authorities have uncovered an extremist plot involving Canadian Armed Forces members in Quebec.
At a Glance
- Four individuals, including two military personnel, were arrested for attempting to seize Quebec land.
- Charges include facilitating terrorist activities and using prohibited munitions.
- The plot involved paramilitary training and plans to form an anti-government coalition.
- Authorities seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition during the investigation.
An Anti-Government Militia Plot Foiled
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged four men, including two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, with facilitating terrorist activities in connection with an alleged extremist plot. The group stands accused of planning to unlawfully seize land in Quebec to establish an anti-government militia.
According to the official RCMP statement, the accused are Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Raphaël Lagacé, Simon Angers-Audet, and Matthew Forbes. The charges stem from a lengthy investigation into what authorities describe as “ideologically motivated violent extremism.” The group allegedly conducted paramilitary-style training, stockpiled weapons, and recruited members for their planned anti-authority community.
A Cache of Weapons and Explosives
The investigation, which began in March 2023, culminated in searches in January 2024 that uncovered a significant arsenal. Police seized 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, and a large quantity of ammunition and prohibited devices, including military-grade accessories like night vision equipment.
Members of Canada's Military Among 4 Arrested in Alleged Anti-Government Militia Plot https://t.co/hh0lLPAqvm
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) July 8, 2025
The RCMP alleges that the accused “took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity” between June 2021 and January 2024. The two active military members involved were reportedly corporals based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City.
Extremism in the Ranks
The case has highlighted the serious issue of extremism within the military, prompting a swift response from the Department of National Defence. “The Canadian Armed Forces is taking these allegations very seriously and has fully participated in the investigation led by the RCMP,” the department stated, reaffirming its commitment to countering violent extremism.
The collaboration between military police and the RCMP underscores the gravity of the internal security threat. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge to safeguard national security from domestic threats rooted in anti-government ideologies.
