RCMP arrest former University of Waterloo student on terrorism charges
Posted Mar 26, 2016 02:40:03 PM.
Last Updated Mar 26, 2016 09:06:20 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A 23-year-old man is facing weapons charges a day after being arrested by the RCMP anti-terrorism police.
Kevin Mohamed is a former student at the University of Waterloo. A University of Waterloo spokesperson confirmed that Mohamed was last enrolled at university in the spring of 2015 in the engineering department.
The National Post is also saying that he was arrested in Waterloo.
Mohamed has been arrested on the charge of Fear of Terrorism Offence, also arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and for possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace.
He is currently in custody.
In the release RCMP Superintendent Lise Crouch said, “This arrest speaks to our ability to tackle a threat that is multifaceted and constantly evolving. While there was no indication of any plans for a domestic attack, we must remain committed to preventing individuals from travelling abroad to gain training and expertise that could be used in the planning and implementation of future attacks on Canadian soil.” said Crouch.
RCMP police say this was part of an extensive national security criminal investigation named Project SWAP carried out by the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) in Toronto.
According to his lawyer Anser Farooq, Mohamed was picked up in connection with online chats he claims were misinterpreted by the Crown.
“The allegations are from the Crown’s end about certain communication, and the purpose and intent of that communication is something that the court has to decide,” he said. “The crown’s view is that it’s not appropriate communication.”
Mohamad appeared in court on Saturday and was charged with weapons dangerous and carrying concealed weapon. Farooq said the weapons charges are in relation to a knife.
“They keep saying weapons … we want to make sure that this weapon is not something that people need to be scared of,” he explained.
Mohamad was not charged with any terrorism offences.
The RCMP added that the arrest was not related to the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Waterloo Regional Police say they were aware of and assisted the RCMP in the investigation.
