RCMP alleges Quebec man, 26, promoted terrorist group, recruited teens online

An RCMP logo in shown on a vehicle in Montreal, Thursday, March 7, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A Quebec man has been charged after he allegedly promoted the ideology of a terrorist group that aims to radicalize youth to commit violent acts and attempted to recruit teenagers on social media.

The RCMP announced that 26-year-old Jeffrey Roussel was arrested on Tuesday. He appeared at the Quebec City courthouse Wednesday to face multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist group, facilitating terrorist activity, and commission of an offence for a terrorist group.

The accused, who lives in Quebec City’s La Cité-Limoilou borough, allegedly promoted the 764 network on the Telegram social media app, the Mounties alleged.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Montreal newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) investigated Roussel and found that he allegedly published “graphic, violent and highly disturbing content” with the aim of inspiring and recruiting victims, mainly teenagers.

Last December, Canada was the first country to list the 764 network as a terrorist entity. According to the RCMP, 764 is a transnational network that promotes ideologically motivated violent extremism, which actively targets children and teens on popular online gaming or social media platforms, such as Roblox, Discord, Minecraft, and Telegram.

“Its objective is to manipulate, recruit and radicalize youth to commit violent acts, both online and offline, by disseminating propaganda and discourse that promotes violent extremism,” the RCMP said.

The RCMP said parents should remain highly vigilant when youth are using online platforms and report any suspicious activity. They can also visit the RCMP website for information on the predatory tactics used by violent online groups and what resources are available.

People can report terrorism activity to the National Security Information Network. Immediate threats should be reported to 911.

More to come.