The RCMP says four people, including active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, are facing charges after allegedly plotting to "forcibly take possession" of land in the Quebec City area.
Mounties allege three male suspects were planning to create an anti-government militia and "took concrete actions" to facilitate terrorist activity.
They allege the suspects, including two 24-year-olds and a 25-year-old, took part in military-style training using a variety of firearms and high-capacity magazines.
"The three accused were planning to create anti-government militia," the force said in a news release. "To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises."
Court documents allege that Marc-Aurèle Chabot and Raphaël Lagacé of Quebec City and Simon Angers-Audet of Neuville are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity.
The charge sheet says the acts are alleged to have taken place between June 2021 and January 2024 in Quebec City, Montreal, Rolphton and Petawawa, Ont. and elsewhere in Quebec, Ontario and Canada.
The three are also facing additional charges relating to the alleged illegal storage of firearms, and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.
Police say a fourth suspect, 33-year-old Matthew Forbes, has been charged with possessing firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, among other offences.
The suspects were expected to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon. Police have not identified which suspects were members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Police say searches conducted in January 2024 in Quebec City led to the seizure of 16 explosive devices, about 11,000 rounds of ammunition and other weapons.
Police describe the case as "ideologically motivated violent extremism."
The charge sheets say the items in the suspects' possession allegedly included grenades, night vision goggles, high-capacity magazines, and firearms that were improperly stored.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.
The Canadian Press
