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Man Charged with Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity
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Yesterday, an investigation conducted by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) resulted in charges being laid under section 83.231 of the Criminal Code against an individual who allegedly perpetrated a hoax regarding terrorist activity. If found guilty, Murad Hossain, a 50-year-old Montreal resident, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. Mr. Hossain also faces a charge of public mischief.
In actual fact, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and John Abbott College received, on May 15, 2009, a letter warning of a potential terrorist attack against the educational institution by a group of Pakistani students. The investigation showed that the alleged threat against John Abbott College, located in the Montréal area, was unfounded, and was actually a hoax resulting from a single isolated action. Moreover, no connection could be established between the accused and any known terrorist entity.
As a reminder, law enforcement authorities take these matters very seriously and, regardless of the nature of the allegations, will investigate all threats to protect national security and to ensure safe homes and safe communities. Incidentally, over the past year, the RCMP has also investigated two similar cases that resulted in serious criminal charges being laid against the offenders.
We would like to take this opportunity to point out that the INSET, a unit composed of members of the RCMP, Sûreté du Québec, SPVM and Canada Border Services Agency, is responsible for enforcing the laws on criminal activity that pose a direct or indirect threat to the security or the interests of our country.
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