Three members of the Canadian Armed Forces are among seven arrested in a major criminal investigation that police say began as a probe into a violent abduction in Toronto back in July.
Police said 82 criminal charges have now been laid in the case, including kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Speaking during a news conference on Wednesday morning, Supt. Joe Matthews said the investigation began in July following the violent abduction of a man near Finch and Bayview avenues on July 25.
He said a victim was targeted as he approached his vehicle and was handcuffed and assaulted.
The suspects, Matthews said, attempted to gain access to the victim’s cryptocurrency assets, eventually letting the man go with a warning not to contact police.
Within 24 hours, Matthews said, a suspect vehicle was identified and two suspects were arrested.
He said the case “quickly unfolded” and turned into a much broader probe involving firearms and drugs.
Following the execution of search warrant, Matthews said officers seized firearms, illicit drugs, and ammunition. About 2,500 rounds that were recovered by police were later found to have been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces, he said.
Investigators said they are continuing to examine the ties between the accused but noted that three of the men, identified by police as Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau and Jack Miley, are all CAF members.
Earlier this month, the Department of National Defence confirmed the arrests of Fernando, 22, and Moreau, 29. Officials noted that the two accused had been removed from military duties in the wake of the criminal investigation.
Matthews said the investigation highlights the “increasingly sophisticated and targeted nature of crimes involving digital assets.”
“Criminals continue to adapt their methods and seek new opportunities for financial gain,” he said in a news release.
“This investigation demonstrates our commitment to pursuing offenders who use violence, intimidation, and firearms to target victims.”
This is a breaking news story. More details to come.
