London police say the RCMP is now assisting in a firearms investigation linked to Western University, as one of the accused faces additional weapons-related charges.
Zekun Wang appeared by video from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre for a brief court hearing Wednesday, lasting about 15 minutes. He remained calm throughout the appearance.
When asked to confirm his identity, Wang responded in English. A Mandarin interpreter has been ordered for his next court appearance.
Wang is now facing four new charges related to the alleged improper storage and possession of a handgun, as well as the alleged unauthorized manufacture of a firearm.
The investigation began nearly two weeks ago after a trespassing arrest at Western University led police to a loaded handgun. Officers later searched a nearby residence on Chesham Avenue, where they discovered hazardous chemicals capable of being used to create explosives.
Since then, additional search warrants have been executed in Ottawa and Gatineau.
London police now confirm the RCMP has been notified of the investigation and is providing support.
Former London police chief Murray Faulkner says involving outside agencies is common in major investigations, but this case includes a national security component.
“It’s not unusual in an investigation to involve another police service or the RCMP,” Faulkner said. “The twist here is the involvement of the Integrated National Security Enforcement team, which deals with investigating, disrupting and preventing terrorism.”
Meanwhile two videos on YouTube – which appear to be published by one of the accused three months ago – shows a pitch of a startup called MORSLAB while a second video was posted to promote the MORSLAB.
“We are building a mobile and low cost system capable of detecting and defeating micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems using thermal AI neural networks in an energetic-driven electromagnetic pulse,” says the narrator of the video.
Several of the accused, including Jerry Tong, appear in the video, however, it’s unclear how the project is connected to the police investigation.
“I studied integrated engineering at Western University. During my undergrad, I founded a 3D printing business which participated in Western’s PSC summer accelerator,” explained Tong.
A publication ban remains in place on much of the evidence in the case, limiting what can be publicly reported.
During Wednesday’s appearance, Wang’s lawyer asked the court to adjourn the scheduled bail hearing, saying more time is needed to secure potential sureties.
All four accused remain in custody and are scheduled to return to court later this month.
The suspects face the following charges
Jerry Tong, 27, of Ottawa, is charged with the following:
- Carry concealed weapon
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possess loaded regulated firearm
- Resist arrest
- Break and enter with intent
- Occupy a motor vehicle with a firearm
- Unlawful possession of explosives
- Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition
Zekun Wang, 26, of London, is charged with the following:
- Break and enter with intent
- Occupy a motor vehicle with a firearm
- Unlawful possession of explosives
- Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition
Fei (Frank) Han, 25, of London, is charged with the following:
- Unlawful possession of explosives
- Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition
- Weapons trafficking
Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21, of London, is charged with the following:
- Unlawful possession of explosives
- Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition
According to court records obtained by CTV News, three of the four individuals arrested in connection with the investigation reside at the home on Chesham Place.
According to social media profiles that match the names and appearances of the accused, all had ties to Western University.
Tong graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Han received his master’s of engineering in August 2024, and Ji enrolled at Western in 2023. Wang graduated with a masters of engineering in 2025, according to the Western Convocation program listing online.
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- Additional charges laid in Chesham Avenue explosives investigation
- Police remain at home near Western University after chemicals capable of making explosives discovered
With files from CTV News London’s Bailey Shakyaver
