2 suspects arrested in Via train terror plot: RCMP
Posted Apr 22, 2013 05:05:06 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Two terror suspects were arrested for allegedly plotting to attack a Via passenger train, the RCMP said Monday.
The suspects — identified as Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, of Montreal and Raed Jaser, 35, of Toronto — were arrested Monday morning.
Police said the suspects had been watching trains and railways in the Greater Toronto Area and were conspiring to derail a passenger train.
They would not say how the suspects allegedly planned to attack, but said the plot had the “direction and guidance” from al-Qaida elements in Iran.
“While the RCMP believed the accused had the capacity and intent to carry out these criminal acts, there was no imminent threat to the general public, rail employees, train passengers or infrastructure,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said at a news conference.
The RCMP added that there is no information to suggest the alleged plot was sponsored by the state of Iran.
“The individuals were receiving support from al-Qaida elements located in Iran,” Malizia said.
The investigation — “Project Smooth” — was part of a cross-border operation involving Canadian law enforcement agencies, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“We consider this to have been a very real and very serious threat. Had it been executed, no doubt, it would have resulted in significant loss of life,” RCMP Supt. Doug Best said.
“This is the first known al-Qaida planned attack that we’ve experienced in Canada,” Best said.
He said the suspects have been in the country legally for a “considerable period of time” but are not Canadian citizens.
The two men are charged with conspiring to carry out an attack against, and conspiring to murder, persons unknown for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist group.
The tip that led to the arrests came from concerned members of the Canadian Muslim community.
“The Muslim community is prepared to do whatever we can for the safety and the security of all Canadians in general,” said Imam Yusuf Badat with the Islamic Foundation of Toronto.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the arrests show that terrorism continues to be a real threat to Canada.
“Canada will not tolerate terrorist activity and we will not be used as a safe haven for terrorists or those who support terrorist activity.”
Authorities said Monday the latest arrests were not related to the Algerian attack or last week’s Boston Marathon bombings.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court for a bail hearing Tuesday in Toronto.
