Last night, the RCMP arrested Oumaima Chouay at the Montréal-Trudeau airport, a 27-year-old woman returning from Syria. The individual had been the subject of an investigation by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) since November 2014.
As a result of the investigation, terrorism charges were filed against Ms. Chouay. She will appear today at the Montréal courthouse to face four charges under the Criminal Code:
- 83.181 – Leaving Canada to participate in activity of terrorist group
- 83.18 – Participation in activity of terrorist group
- 83.03 – Providing, making available, etc. property or services for terrorist purposes
- 465(1)(c) – Conspiracy under 83.181 for leaving Canada to participate in activity of terrorist group
Appeal to the public
As Canada's national police force, the RCMP is a critical element of the Government of Canada's commitment to providing for the safety and security of Canadians.
Under its mandate, the RCMP investigates all criminal activity involving Canadians abroad, who are subject to charges under the Criminal Code. While the ultimate goal is to lay criminal charges, the RCMP uses every tool at its disposal to disrupt any threat to Canada and Canadians.
The RCMP encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any information on terrorism or related suspicious activity to the National Security Information Network (1-800-420-5805) or your local police department.