News release

Ideologically motivated violent extremism: four individuals charged

July 8, 2025 - Québec City, Quebec
From: Federal Policing Eastern Region

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RCMP Federal Policing National Security – Eastern Region announces the arrest of and laying of charges against four individuals, including active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area.

According to the investigation led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, of Québec City, Simon Angers-Audet, 24, of Neuville and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, of Québec City took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity. For this, they are facing one charge, pursuant to section 83.19 of the Criminal Code.

The three accused were planning to create anti-government militia. To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises. They also conducted a scouting operation. A variety of firearms, some prohibited, as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment were allegedly used in these activities.

A fourth individual, Matthew Forbes, 33, of Pont-Rouge, faces charges including possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items, under the Criminal Code,the Explosives Act; and the Defence Production Act. Other charges for offences related to possession of prohibited devices, transfer of firearms and ammunition, careless storage of firearms, possession of explosives and possession of controlled items have also been laid in this file.

Searches conducted in January 2024 in the Québec City area led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment.

INSET officers were able to count on the cooperation of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Service de police de la ville de Québec and the Sûreté du Québec in this investigation.

The four individuals will appear today at the Québec City courthouse.

Ideologically motivated violent extremism

The RCMP remains committed to fighting ideologically motivated violent extremism. The public’s assistance is key to combatting this major issue, which is a national priority. Do you have information on the illegal activities of individuals or groups of individuals? Contact the RCMP at 514-939-8300/1-800-771-5401, the National Security Information Network (1-800-420-5805), online at National Security Information Network or your local police department.

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