Quebec man charged in alleged online terrorist recruitment targeting teens
A 26-year-old man from the Quebec City area has been charged with terrorism-related offences after allegedly promoting a violent extremist network that targets young people online, the RCMP announced in a statement Wednesday.
Jeffrey Roussel was arrested following an investigation by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team into activity linked to a group known as 764, which the RCMP describes as an ideologically motivated violent extremism network that operates across borders, leaning on online platforms popular with young people to identify and target potential recruits.
Roussel is accused of promoting the group’s ideology through Telegram, publishing graphic and disturbing material intended to inspire and recruit others. The content is believed to have been aimed primarily at teenagers, though authorities have not yet identified the victims.
He faces three charges: participation in the activity of a terrorist group, facilitating terrorist activity and commission of an offence for a terrorist group.
On Wednesday morning, he appeared in court in Quebec City.
The 764 network’s goal, the RCMP said, is to manipulate and radicalize youth into committing acts of violence, both online and offline, through propaganda and coercive tactics. The group uses online platforms like messaging and gaming apps.
The RCMP encourages the public to remain vigilant and report information related to terrorism or immediate threats to local police or emergency services.
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