Four Canadian citizens, including two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces were arrested on accusations that they were plotting to forcibly seize land near Quebec City.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed on July 8, 2025, that the suspects had amassed a large arsenal consisting of 83 weapons, 16 explosive devices, and approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition.
These items were likely stolen from military installations. The arrests highlight concerns about extremist activities within Canada’s military ranks.
Details of the Accused and Charges
The four accused are Marc-Aurèle Chabot (24), Raphaël Lagacé (25), Simon Angers-Audet (24) and Matthew Forbes (33).
Chabot and Forbes are active-duty corporals in the Canadian Armed Forces, while Angers-Audet is a former member of the Canadian military, and Lagacé was a civilian instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Three suspects face charges related to facilitating terrorist activities, while the fourth is charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Alleged Militia Formation and Training
According to the RCMP, the group was planning to establish an anti-government militia. They conducted military-style training such as shooting, ambushes, survival, and navigation exercises.
The perpetrators also carried out reconnaissance operations in Quebec City and surrounding areas between 2021 and early 2024. Police also released photographs of the men taking part in these activities in military fatigues.
Seizure of Weapons and Tactical Gear
During raids in January 2024, authorities seized a significant cache of weapons and tactical equipment. This included prohibited firearms, high-capacity magazines, grenades, night-vision goggles and even explosives.
The scale and sophistication of the arsenal raised alarms about the potential for violent extremist acts and possibly a wider coup threat.
Context of Rising Right-Wing Extremism
Experts note that this case is part of a broader pattern of anti-government extremism playing out in Western democracies.
Jon Lewis, a research fellow at George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, described the plot as charateristic of “small-cell accelerationist” groups that seek to incite violence to destabilize governments.
These groups frequently recruit from military backgrounds and use social media to spread their ideology and recruit members.
Expert Analysis on Extremism in Canada
Jessica Davis, a former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, emphasized the growing concern about right-wing extremism infiltrating the Canadian Armed Forces.
She highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated anti government sentiments, proving fertile ground for radicalization. The involvement of military personnel in such plots is particularly troubling for national security.
Role Of Social Media in Radicalization
The RCMP reported that one of the suspects created an Instagram account to recruit others for the militia. Experts agree that social media platforms have become incubators for extremist ideas, facilitating the formation of networked cells that are difficult for law enforcement to track. The digital environment accelerates the spread of violent ideologies among young men in their 20s and 30s.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
All four men appeared by video conference in Quebec courts and remain in custody pending further proceedings.
They have been charged with serious offenses, including crimes for which they could be sentenced up to 14 years in prison under terrorism laws.
It is unknown if the suspects have lawyers. The case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to investigate any broader threats.
Military and Government Response
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed that two active-duty corporals were among the accused and condemned the alleged actions.
The military is itself facing increasing scrutiny to address extremism within its ranks, as concerns mount about connections between some service members and extremist organizations. This incident has intesified calls for enhanced monitoring and prevention measures.
Broader Implications for National Security
This plot highlights the challenges democratic nations face today with the emergence of decentralized extremist cells, especially those linked to military personnel.
The Canadian government and authorities are now focusing on mitigating such threats by improving intelligence sharing and community engagement to prevent similar plots. The arrests serve as a warning about the evolving nature of domestic terrorism in Canada.
