Police say Canadian armed forces members painted “anti-government militia”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said four men, including the Canadian Armed Forces, are facing charges in Canada’s alleged plot to create “anti-government militias” and “forcibly seize land.”

Police said three of the suspects participated in military training, shooting exercises and reconnaissance operations in the Quebec City area, as part of their alleged plot.

The group also allegedly stored explosive devices, dozens of guns and thousands of ammunition, all of which were caught by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Police said all four were arrested and were scheduled to appear in Quebec City Court on Tuesday.

Those accused include Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, of Quebec City, and Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville.

The RCMP said in a press release that the three were accused of taking “specific actions to promote terrorist activities.”

The fourth man, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge – a town nearly 28 miles (45 kilometers) west of Quebec City – is also charged with the alleged conspiracy. He was charged with possession of firearms, some of which were banned in Canada, as well as explosives.

Police said the search conducted in January 2024 resulted in the capture of 16 explosive devices, 83 guns and accessories, nearly 11,000 rounds of ammunition and about 130 magazines. Night vision goggles and military equipment were also found.

The RCMP has not designated what the suspect’s alleged motive is, but the group aims to “force the occupation of land in the Quebec City area.”

The Canadian military is under pressure to fight extremism at its own stage, arrest operations.

The 2022 report of the Military Advisory Group on Systemic Racism and Discrimination found that the number of Army members linked to extremist groups is increasing.