Canadian Military Intelligence Officer Released in Espionage Case

A Canadian military counter-intelligence operative accused of leaking highly sensitive information to a foreign entity has been released from custody under strict conditions, raising serious national security concerns.

Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar, a 24-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a member of its counter-intelligence branch, is facing eight charges under the National Defence Act. The most serious allegation involves the unlawful communication of “special operational information” to a foreign entity, the identity of which remains classified.

Robar appeared before a military court in Gatineau, Quebec, on Monday—five days after being arrested and charged by military police. Until his release, he had been held at Garrison Petawawa. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, many details remain undisclosed, and the Department of National Defence has declined to answer questions about the alleged foreign involvement.

Military Judge Colonel Nancy Isenor approved Robar’s release with extensive restrictions. The release order includes both classified and unclassified components. Among the conditions imposed, Robar must surrender his passport and avoid all physical or electronic contact with the unnamed foreign entity, potential witnesses, and a list of Canadian military personnel.

He has also been ordered to stay away from employees of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s cyber-intelligence agency. Additionally, Robar is prohibited from engaging with individuals linked to any foreign intelligence service, discussing the case with members of Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, or posting information related to the allegations on social media.

This is not Robar’s first detention this year. He was previously held without charge for 24 hours in October before being released under conditions. His re-arrest on December 10 was later confirmed publicly by the military’s provost marshal.

Before the criminal charges emerged, Robar had been involved in an internal disciplinary dispute within his unit. A separate investigation resulted in a reprimand earlier this year, though Robar was reportedly given minimal information about the allegations, which included disobeying lawful orders and engaging in unauthorized activities.

The case continues to unfold within Canada’s separate military justice system and is expected to draw intense scrutiny as it moves forward.