Three Canadian Armed Forces members are among seven men facing 82 criminal charges following the alleged armed kidnapping of a crypto exchange owner in Toronto, according to a police update on October 14.
Investigators allege the victim was targeted as he approached his vehicle near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue on July 25. He was abducted at gunpoint, handcuffed, and assaulted. Police say the suspects attempted to gain access to cryptocurrency assets and business-related security systems before releasing him after threats and warnings against reporting the incident.
The three military service members were identified as Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau, and Jack Miley. Each faces charges including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm and forcible confinement, among other offenses. Four additional suspects were also charged: Christian Darbandi, Suhaib Alekozai, Raheem Bishop-Jackson, and Saiefeddine Adem.
Arrests occurred between July 26 and September 24. Fernando, Moreau, and Darbandi were arrested on August 11, while Miley and Alekozai were arrested on September 24. Bishop-Jackson and Adem were arrested on July 26.
Police confirmed that the Department of National Defense removed all three 7th Toronto Regiment reservists from duties, restricting military access pending administrative reviews.
Searches of residences and vehicles recovered more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition, a shotgun, three 9mm firearms, two silencers, and 10 overcapacity magazines. Police stated that approximately 2,500 rounds and five magazines had been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces. Two of the 9mm weapons had 3D-printed receivers. Officers also seized GPS tracking devices, handcuffs, portable radios, and controlled substances.
Police have not identified the exchange, disclosed whether cryptocurrency was transferred, or provided a loss amount. The investigation remains active, with police indicating they are not currently seeking additional suspects.
