A member of the Canadian military intelligence branch has been arrested for allegedly divulging classified information to a foreign entity, as revealed by the Department of National Defence on Thursday. Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar faces eight charges under the National Defence Act, including communicating “special operational information” and breach of trust.
The arrest of Robar resulted from a joint investigation by the military’s National Investigation Service and the RCMP’s national security enforcement team. The Defense Department did not disclose the identity of the foreign entity involved, and declined to provide further details.
Robar, currently in custody, was under investigation since 2024 for reportedly sharing information with a foreign individual or group without authorization. The Canadian Forces Intelligence Command cooperated with the investigation. The Defense Department confirmed Robar’s detention but did not specify when he would appear before a military judge to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and national security concerns.
Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan commended the collaborative efforts during the investigation, emphasizing the importance of joint policing in safeguarding national security. Robar’s charges under the National Defence Act signify that any potential trial would proceed via court martial, ensuring tighter control over information release due to the sensitive nature of national security.
This incident echoes a past espionage case involving former sub-lieutenant Jeffrey Paul Delisle, who pleaded guilty in 2012 to selling classified information to the Russians. The military remains cautious about the evidence presented in such cases, as evidenced by the concerns raised during the Delisle trial. Lessons from the Delisle case have influenced the handling and prosecution of national security breaches within the military justice system.