RCMP arrests Toronto man for terrorism-related offences

(March 30, 2011) – On March 29, 2011, the RCMP arrested a Toronto area man for terrorism-related offenses.

Mohamed Hassan Hersi was arrested at Pearson International Airport Tuesday night and charged under Section 83.18 of the Criminal Code of Canada for attempting to participate in terrorist activity, and for providing counsel to a person to participate in terrorist activity.

It is alleged that he was about to board a plane bound for Cairo, Egypt transiting through London, England, to then go to Somalia.

It was revealed that the suspect was allegedly planning to travel to Somalia to join Al Shabaab and participate in their terrorist activities.

“Al Shabaab is a listed terrorist entity because of their attacks against innocents in support of their extremist, radical ideology,” RCMP Insp. Keith Finn told a press conference on Wednesday.

Hersi, a former University of Toronto sciences student, made a brief court appearance in Brampton, Ont., on Wednesday.

The matter was put over until Friday.

The suspect is a resident of Toronto’s east end Scarborough neighbourhood.

Finn said he had been employed, but quit his job ahead of his trip to the Middle East.

“The RCMP plays a critical role in the fight against global terrorism, and this investigation is an example of our dedication to this important cause. We will continue to work with partners to eliminate terrorist criminal activity in Canada and abroad,” says RCMP Inspector Keith Finn.