Four individuals, including active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, have been charged following an RCMP national security investigation into an alleged plot to forcibly seize land in the Québec City area.
The RCMP’s Federal Policing National Security – Eastern Region announced the arrests Tuesday, following an investigation led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET).
According to police, three of the accused were allegedly planning to establish an anti-government militia. Investigators say the group engaged in military-style training, including firearms use, ambush tactics, survival skills, navigation exercises, and scouting operations. Officers allege prohibited firearms, high-capacity magazines, and tactical equipment were used during these activities.
All three face one count each of facilitating terrorist activity under section 83.19 of the Criminal Code.
A fourth individual has been charged in connection with the possession of firearms, prohibited devices, explosives, and controlled items. The charges fall under the Criminal Code, the Explosives Act and the Defence Production Act, and include offences related to firearms transfer, careless storage, and possession of explosives.
Searches conducted in January 2024 in the Québec City area led to the seizure of 83 firearms and accessories, 16 explosive devices, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles, and various pieces of military equipment.
The RCMP says it received support in the investigation from the Canadian Armed Forces, the Service de police de la Ville de Québec and the Sûreté du Québec.
The four individuals were scheduled to appear in court today in Québec City.
The RCMP emphasized its commitment to countering ideologically motivated violent extremism and urged the public to report suspicious activity to national security tip lines or local law enforcement.
