Quebec military member pleads guilty to 7 firearms charges

Matthew Forbes, 34, of Pont-Rouge, Quebec, has pleaded guilty to seven out of 11 charges related to firearms possession and controlled materials after his 2025 arrest while an active military member.

Forbes was arrested by the RCMP during an investigation where three other men were accused of facilitating terrorism. In 2025, the RCMP classified the group's activities as ideologically motivated violent extremism. While Forbes was not accused of terrorism himself, he was charged for possessing and selling firearms and controlled goods without required authorizations.

The prosecution's proof included money transfers between Forbes and buyers. In one transaction, Forbes met a buyer at the Quebec Citadelle military base and illegally transferred materials in exchange for $40,000 US, according to a shared statement of facts.

Forbes was aware of regulations under Canada's Controlled Goods Program and the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which govern military-grade goods. "I committed these acts and I am ready to face the consequences," he said in court.

Forbes is suspended from the military with pay. He was previously a member of the 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada at the military base in Valcartier, near Quebec City. He will be back in court this fall, with a decision expected by year's end. The prosecution is seeking a federal prison charge; Forbes could face 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

Three other men — Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Simon Angers-Audet, and Raphaël Lagacé — have been charged with weapons charges and the serious offence of facilitating a terrorist activity. They were denied bail in August and three of them opted for a jury trial.