An RCMP probe into the financial activities and mail usage of individuals associated with an anti-government militia reveals transactions totaling nearly $500,000 over two and a half years. The funds were predominantly used for purchasing weapons and military gear, prompting questions about the source of the money, with hints of third-party financial contributions.
In July, four Quebec men, all linked to the military, were apprehended by the RCMP for allegedly scheming a violent plot driven by ideological motives to seize land in the Quebec City region forcefully. In addition to weapons offenses, Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Simon Angers-Audet, and Raphaël Lagacé, aged 24 to 25, face charges for facilitating a terrorist activity and have been remanded without bail, opting for a jury trial.
The fourth individual, Matthew Forbes, aged 33, is facing charges related to firearms, prohibited devices, and controlled items possession. He has been released on bail under strict conditions.
Surveillance leading up to their arrests involved monitoring the financial transactions and package exchanges of all four men. The RCMP alleges that from January 8, 2020, to June 23, 2023, they collectively engaged in transactions amounting to $483,741.12, including transactions between themselves and purchases from weapons and military equipment vendors in Canada.
A report from Canada’s financial intelligence agency scrutinizing the accused individuals’ finances highlighted discrepancies in Lagacé’s transactions, considering his employment as a house painter at the time. The report also suggests third-party involvement in Lagacé’s financial activities, indicating fund receptions and transfers without specifying the identity of these third parties.
The information revealing these details stemmed from police requests known as information to obtain (ITO) filed to secure search warrants, which media outlets, including CBC/Radio-Canada, had to push for disclosure.