Canadian Armed Forces member charged in foreign interference investigation

A Canadian flag patch is shown on an Armed Forces member's uniform in Trenton, Ont., on October 16, 2014. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg)

A senior non-commissioned member of the Canadian Armed Forces’ intelligence-gathering unit has been arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign interference.

Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command is facing multiple charges under Canada’s foreign interference law, as well as under the National Defence Act and the Criminal Code, the military announced Thursday.

Robar was arrested Wednesday following a joint operation by the Canadian Forces Military Police, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service and the RCMP’s national security enforcement team.

The Department of National Defence says Robar is charged with eight offences, including:

• One count of Communicating Special Operational Information under section s. 17(1) of the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act (FISOIA), pursuant to s. 130 of the NDA;
• One count of Breach of Trust in Respect of Safeguarded Information under s. 18(1) of the FISOIA, pursuant to s. 130 of the NDA;
• Two counts of Contravention of Storage Regulations under s. 86 Criminal Code of Canada (CC) contrary to s. 117 Firearms Act, pursuant to s. 130 of the NDA;
• Three counts of Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline, pursuant to s. 129 of the NDA; and
• One count of Feigning Disease, pursuant to s. 98 of the NDA.

The investigation began in 2024 and focused on what the Department of National Defence described as “the unauthorized disclosure of safeguarded information to a foreign entity.”

The statement did not identify the foreign entity.

The agency says that if any of the charges proceed to trial, they will be tried in the military justice system through a court martial hearing.

“The success of this operation demonstrates the strength of joint policing efforts and what can be achieved when agencies and organizations work together toward a common goal,” Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, the head of the military police, said in a statement Thursday.

“I am proud of the team’s dedication and the co-ordination that ensured the safety and security of Canadians.”