TikTok posts in alleged support of Islamic State lead to arrest of Quebec man

TikTok logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen for illustration photo. Krakow, Poland. On April, 20th, 2026. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The RCMP has arrested Quebecer Ali Ben Chaoua, 40, as part of a national security investigation.

Chaoua allegedly made numerous posts on TikTok in support of the Islamic State, police claimed in a release, and officers “had reasonable grounds to fear that Mr. Ben Chaoua may commit terrorism offences.”

No charges have been laid.

Chaoua was taken into custody Wednesday morning by officers from the RCMP’s Quebec City Detachment.

They say the investigation began in March 2025 following a tip submitted through the RCMP’s National Security Information Network. Investigators say Chaoua made numerous posts on TikTok expressing support for ISIS.

Police said in a news release they sought to compel Ben Chaoua to stop his suspicious activities and lay a terrorism peace bond under section 810.011 of the Criminal Code. This legal tool allows authorities to impose monitoring conditions and other de-escalation measures to disrupt or prevent potential terrorist activity.

The investigation is ongoing and charges could still be laid at a later date, the RCMP said.

Chaoua is scheduled to appear in Quebec City court Thursday.

The RCMP said countering religiously motivated violent extremism remains a top priority and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity to the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805 or your local police department