Quebec City — Federal investigators arrested a 24-year-old man this week, alleging he planned to construct a poison or chemical weapon to carry out an attack in Canada in support of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Arrest follows months-long INSET probe
The arrest was executed by the RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), which launched the investigation in April. Police identified the accused as Louay Angoud, who was taken into custody on Wednesday.
Officials say Angoud communicated online with individuals tied to the extremist group and sought information on how to assemble a weapon capable of poisoning people.
No materials found, RCMP says
At the time of the arrest, investigators determined the suspect did not possess chemicals or other items that could be used to build the alleged device. RCMP Cpl. Martina Pillarova told reporters there was no imminent threat to the public.
"He did not have any products or anything else he could have used, so there was no imminent danger,"
Police also said Angoud is not a Canadian citizen and is in the country without legal status. He has no prior criminal record, according to the RCMP.
Charges and next steps
Angoud faces several terrorism-related charges laid by federal authorities. He appeared in court by video from Montreal on Thursday and remained detained after the Crown opposed his release. He is due back in court on Monday.
| Charge | Possible sentence |
|---|---|
| Participating in activities of a terrorist group | Up to life imprisonment |
| Using or possessing property for terrorist purposes | Up to life imprisonment |
| Committing an offence for the benefit of a terrorist group | Up to life imprisonment |
Police initially listed a fourth charge — carrying a weapon with dangerous intent — but that charge was later dropped, according to reporting by The Canadian Press.
Federal response and context
In a news release, the RCMP’s Federal Policing Eastern Region reiterated that countering radicalization to violence is a government priority and that federal officers remain committed to addressing religiously motivated violent extremism.
"Countering radicalization to violence is a top priority for the Government of Canada. The RCMP remains committed to countering religiously motivated violent extremism,"
The arrest highlights ongoing challenges for Canadian security services in monitoring online networks where extremist groups seek to recruit and instruct supporters. Investigations of this type increasingly involve digital communications and open-source research into how to manufacture weapons or procure materials.
What this means for residents
Authorities said there was no immediate risk to the public connected to this case. Still, the RCMP encourages anyone with concerns about radicalization, suspicious activity, or potential threats to contact local police or federal tip lines.
- If you observe suspicious purchases or stockpiling of chemicals, inform local police.
- Report threatening online interactions to the RCMP or the Canadian Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence.
- When in doubt about safety, contact emergency services or your local police detachment.
The allegations against Angoud have not been proven in court. The matter will proceed through the federal criminal justice system, where prosecutors will have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
This report draws on material released by the RCMP and reporting from The Canadian Press.
