Ferid Ahmed Imam and Maiwand Yar, wanted by police.
A four year RCMP national security criminal investigation, known as Project Darken, has resulted in arrest warrants being issued for two former Winnipeg residents on terrorism-related charges.
RCMP investigators in Winnipeg have compiled evidence that two Canadian citizens, Maiwand Yar and Ferid Ahmed Imam, conspired to travel to Pakistan for terrorist training, with plans to later join the insurgency against NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Ferid Ahmed Imam, age 30, is being sought on charges of instructing to carry out terrorist activity and conspiracy to participate in activity of a terrorist group.
Maiwand Yar, age 27, is being sought on charges of conspiracy to participate in activity of a terrorist group and participation in activity of a terrorist group.
Both individuals are known to have traveled to Pakistan in March 2007. The current whereabouts of Maiwand Yar and Ferid Imam are unknown. These charges are being laid in absentia and Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for both men.
“These warrants are the result of a lengthy and thorough national security criminal investigation involving key partners throughout Canada and the U.S.,” said Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer of “D” Division RCMP. “We are deeply committed to our efforts aimed at countering terrorism. This investigation targets criminal activity and not specific communities or groups.”
Project Darken was conducted by the RCMP National Security Enforcement Section in Winnipeg with the cooperation of partners at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, and international law enforcement agencies.
The RCMP has primary responsibility for preventing, detecting, and investigating terrorism-related criminal activity in Canada. The RCMP is committed to protecting the safety and security of Canadians. International law enforcement cooperation is critical to minimizing the globalized threat from terrorism and other criminal threats to our national security.
The public is encouraged to contact the RCMP National Security tip line at 1-800-420-5805 to report information on the whereabouts of Maiwand Yar and Ferid Imam, or suspicious activities that could pose any threat to Canada’s national security.
