Integrated National Security Enforcement Team Investigate Terrorist Hoax

AJAX, ON, Feb. 11 - Following an extensive investigation,  the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in Ontario (OINSET), comprised of Federal, Provincial and Municipal law enforcement agencies, arrested one male today in relation to a terrorist hoax.

OINSET received a complaint that sensitive material relating to the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station had been released and that the Generating Station had been identified as a potential target of an unspecified terrorist plot. After a seven-month investigation, OINSET, with the cooperation of Ontario Power Generation Nuclear Security, was able to determine the allegations to be a hoax.

RCMP OINSET arrested and charged 21 year old Lloyd Charest of Ajax, Ontario with Fabricating evidence (Sec. 137 C.C.C.), Public mischief (Sec. 140  C.C.C.), Obstruct police (Sec. 129 C.C.C.),and Hoax regarding terrorist activity (Section 83.231 A. T .A .). The accused was later released from custody with conditions and is scheduled to appear before Provincial Court in Oshawa on the 4th of March, 2011. 

The RCMP takes all threats to national security seriously and fully investigates all threats to Canada's national security. It is a criminal offense to make false threats that impact Canada's national security. Terrorism hoaxes cause very real apprehension and result in unnecessary and costly police responses.

Through INSETs, the RCMP works in partnership with numerous agencies to investigate all national security threats to the fullest. INSET members have extensive experience and specialized skill sets to prevent and investigate terrorism and national security threats. The RCMP National Security Program is committed to combating the threat of terrorism in Canada and abroad, while respecting the personal freedoms that are guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.