In light of recent developments, including the arrest of Mr. Matthew Forbes on July 8, 2025, Northern Lights Instruments Inc. wishes to provide the following factual clarification regarding its structure, operations, and historical relationship with the individual in question.
Northern Lights Instruments Inc. became aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving Mr. Forbes following judicially authorized searches conducted in January 2024 at Mr. Forbes residence. Upon confirmation of his association with the matter, Mr. Forbes was promptly and permanently removed from all roles and responsibilities related to the company. At no time did Northern Lights Instruments Inc., its directors, or its personnel have knowledge of, participate in, or support any of the activities that have led to the charges currently pending against Mr. Forbes.
It is important to emphasize that at no point were any illegal devices sold by Northern Lights Instruments Inc., nor was the company in receipt of any funds relating to the sale, facilitation, or transfer of such items. To the extent any unlawful transactions may have occurred, such activities were undertaken exclusively by Mr. Forbes in his personal capacity and without the knowledge, authorization, or financial involvement of the company or its personnel.
Recent media references to “Northern Tactical Defense” appear to stem from a Quebec provincial business registration dated November 2023, which listed Mr. Forbes as a registrant. For clarity:
• Northern Tactical Defense was never incorporated as a legal entity;
• It conducted no commercial activity on behalf of, or under the direction of, Northern Lights Instruments Inc.;
• It was a legacy name used temporarily for brand transition purposes only, during a period in which all operational control and ownership resided exclusively with the sole director and shareholder of Northern Lights Instruments Inc., a federally incorporated company which did not include Mr. Frobes;
• The registration under the name “Northern Tactical Defense” is currently being formally withdrawn and cancelled.
Northern Lights Instruments Inc. the business Entity that owns Northern Tactical Defense domain and online presence has always operated in accordance with Canadian law, including all applicable regulations under the Criminal Code, the Defence Production Act, and the Controlled Goods Program (CGP), where applicable. At no point has the company facilitated, condoned, or supported any conduct outside the lawful scope of its operations.
We recognize the reputational implications of public association with a criminal investigation, and we affirm that Northern Lights Instruments Inc. continues to conduct its business with integrity, full regulatory compliance, and respect for the trust placed in it by clients, partners, and the public.
Disclaimer: This statement is provided for clarification purpuses only and does not comment on or interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings. We defer to the appropiate authorities regarding the investigation.
FAQ
1. Why didn’t the company release a statement in 2023 or 2024?
At the time, Northern Lights Instruments Inc. was made aware of an ongoing investigation involving Mr. Matthew Forbes. However, the company itself was not under investigation, nor was it subject to any enforcement action. Upon legal advice, and to avoid compromising the investigation or misrepresenting facts that had not been made public, we chose to handle the matter internally. A public statement is now appropriate given the charges laid and public interest.
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2. What happens now?
Northern Lights Instruments Inc. continues to operate normally. The company is not the subject of any investigation, has not been asked to suspend operations, and has had no assets or accounts frozen or seized. We are fully cooperating with any lawful requests and remain in compliance with all applicable federal regulations. Internally, the company has already taken all necessary corrective steps to remove any connection to the individual charged.
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3. Are my purchases from Northern Tactical Defense or NLI still valid and legal?
Yes. All products sold through Northern Lights Instruments Inc. and its temporary transition brand “Northern Tactical Defense” were legally acquired, legally configured, and legally distributed under Canadian law. No prohibited devices were sold by the company. Any product you received from us remains fully compliant and legally owned, provided you continue to comply with applicable storage and usage laws.
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4. Are my products still covered by warranty or service agreements?
Yes. All existing warranties, service agreements, and product support remain in effect. Northern Lights Instruments Inc. stands behind the products and service it has provided, and our commitment to customer support remains unchanged.
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5. Will this situation affect order fulfillment or delivery timelines?
No. Our business operations remain stable, and our supply chains and logistics partners are unaffected by this matter. We continue to process and ship orders as normal. Any temporary delays due to increased inquiry volume will be communicated proactively on a case to case basis.
For any further inquiries, legal counsel may contact us through our official channels
