RCMP arrest Ontario man for allegedly trying to leave Canada to join terrorist group

A 32-year-old Ontario man has been arrested for allegedly trying to leave Canada to join a terrorist group, the RCMP says.

In a news release on Friday, the RCMP said the man was arrested by its Central Region (Ontario) Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET). The RCMP did not say exactly when or where the man was arrested, or which terrorist group he allegedly planned to join.

The man's name has not been released due to a publication ban.

According to the release, the man was arrested under "terrorism peace bond provisions."

On April 19, the director of public prosecutions and Canada's deputy attorney general agreed to lay what is called "an information commencing the terrorism peace bond application process" under section 810.011 of the Criminal Code.

That section reads in part: "A person who fears on reasonable grounds that another person may commit a terrorism offence may, with the Attorney General's consent, lay an information before a provincial court judge."

The man appeared in an Ontario Court of Justice courtroom in Brampton on April 20 and will be scheduled to make a second court appearance at a later date. He remains in custody, the RCMP said.

Peel Regional Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Public Prosecution Service of Canada and Pacific Region INSET were involved in the investigation, the RCMP added.

Under the Security Offences Act, the RCMP said it has a mandate to investigate criminal offences that "threaten Canada's national security, including terrorism, foreign actor interference, and threats to critical infrastructure."

The RCMP added: "Threats to Canada's national security are a priority for the RCMP."