Canadian police arrest 4 in alleged 'anti-government militia' plot

Four men, including active military personnel, have been arrested in Canada charged with allegedly "planning to create anti-government militia" and "forcibly take possession of land" in the province of Quebec.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said three of the suspects, all in their 20s, “took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity.” They were arrested early Tuesday in Quebec City.

According to police, the accused had engaged in military-style training, including shooting, ambush drills, survival techniques and reconnaissance missions. Illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines, tactical gear and explosives were allegedly involved.

The suspects were named as Marc-Aurèle Chabot (24) and Raphaël Lagacé (25), both from Quebec City, and Simon Angers-Audet (24) from Neuville. A fourth man, Matthew Forbes (33) from Pont-Rouge, faces weapons and explosives-related charges but was not charged with terrorism offences.

Court records show the group’s activities spanned several locations across Quebec and Ontario between June 2021 and January 2024, including Montreal, Petawawa, and Rolphton.

RCMP Cpl. Erique Gasse said the group was motivated by extremist ideology. “This is ideologically motivated violent extremism,” he said.

The investigation began in March 2023. A raid in January 2024 uncovered 16 explosive devices, about 11,000 rounds of ammunition, and additional weapons. Police have not yet confirmed which of the suspects were serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

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