Identical twins from Ottawa face terrorism-related charges
OTTAWA — An Ottawa man charged alongside his identical twin brother with terrorism-related offences once told a hockey teammate that RCMP were watching him after his recent conversion to Islam but that the force’s suspicions were unfounded.
Ashton Carleton Larmond, 24, and twin brother Carlos Honor Larmond, 24, were arrested Friday in the dramatic conclusion of a months-long national security investigation.
Carlos was arrested Friday at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport before police allege he tried to travel abroad to participate in terrorist activity.
It’s not yet known where he was intending to travel but police have charged him with attempting to leave the country to participate in a crime, as well as participating in the activity of a terrorist group.
His brother Ashton was arrested in Ottawa and was charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, participating in the activity of a terrorist group, and instructing another to carry out an activity for a terrorist group. It’s alleged the two conspired together.
The charges against the men span from August 2014 to Jan. 9.
Carlos was the first to appear briefly by video link in court from the Ottawa Police Service cellblock Saturday morning. Crown attorney Roderick Sonley said Carlos faces an outstanding criminal charge that was laid in Gatineau, Que.
It’s not yet known what he was charged with. He was ordered not to communicate with his twin, though the two will be held at the OttawaCarleton Detention Centre.
About an hour after his brother’s appearance, Ashton also appeared via video link.
The brothers are scheduled to appear in court again on Feb. 12.