Court docs show RCMP eyeing unidentified outside leadership group in Coutts border blockade
Newly released court documents show the Alberta RCMP are still investigating multiple people in connection to the Coutts border blockade, including a suspected group of leaders issuing orders from elsewhere.
According to the unsealed documents, the RCMP believes the four men accused of plotting to kill Mounties at the Coutts border blockade – Anthony Olienick, Chris Lysak, Jerry Morin and Chris Carbert – were being given orders by an outside leadership group.
The names of the people in that group have been redacted from the report as they are part of an active investigation.
The newly released records involve transcriptions of phone calls between Olienick, Lysak, Morin and Carbert, and the unidentified leadership group.
The documents state the leadership wanted more than just vaccine mandates lifted, but also the "elimination of the professional political class."
It also alleges Olienick, Lysak, Morin and Carbert trained for months and stockpiled firearms at Olienick's property near Claresholm, Alta., while taking orders from the unidentified group.
Anthony Olienick, Chris Lysak, Jerry Morin and Chris Carbert have a trial set for June 2023.
The documents reveal that in February, Mounties seized more than 36,000 rounds of ammunition, two pipe bombs, gas masks, camouflage and tactical gear from the property.
Other intercepted calls from the four men's cellphones refer to more potential weapons coming from a second stockpile in Nanton, Alta.
They also point toward a growing tension between those protesting in Coutts and the leadership group due to lack of representation at the blockade.
In February, Olienick, Lysak, Morin, Carbert and nine others were arrested after RCMP uncovered a cache of weapons in Coutts.
Olienick is also charged with making and possessing an explosive device while Lysak faces a charge of uttering threats.
Once remanded, phone records show the four men contacted the bosses either directly or, allegedly, through family members, according to police.
All four men have a trial set for June 2023 while the investigation into the suspected leadership team is still ongoing.
These portions of the police documents are being unsealed after a legal challenge by a group of news organizations including CTV News.
None of the details alleged in the released documents have been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.