Canadian military intelligence member charged with espionage, says DND

A non-commissioned member of the Canadian military intelligence branch has been charged with passing classified information to a "foreign entity," the Department of National Defence revealed late Thursday.

Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar was arrested by military police and faces eight charges under the National Defence Act.

He’s accused of — among other things — communicating "special operational information" and breach of trust, according to a statement issued by the Defence Department.

The arrest is the result of a joint investigation between the military’s National Investigation Service and the RCMP’s national security enforcement team.

The statement does not name the foreign entity.

According to the Defence Department, the investigation into Robar began in 2024 following the alleged unauthorized disclosure of information to a foreign individual or group.

The military’s intelligence branch, the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, co-operated fully with investigators, the department said.

The fact Robar was charged under military law is significant. It means, should there be a trial, it would take place via court martial.

The head of military police praised the co-operation that took place during the investigation.

"The protection of national security relies on collaboration and precision," said. Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal. "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."

It is not the first time a member of the military’s intelligence community has been charged with spying.

In 2012, former sub-lieutenant Jeffrey Paul Delisle pleaded guilty to selling information to the Russians. He was also charged with breaching trust and communicating safeguarded information to a foreign entity.