Three members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been charged as part of a wider investigation into an alleged kidnapping linked to cryptocurrency assets. The Toronto police spearheaded the investigation following the abduction of a man on July 25, 2026, near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue in North York.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced that a total of 82 criminal charges have been filed against seven individuals, marking a serious escalation from the initial kidnapping inquiry. The investigation revealed connections to firearms, stolen military ammunition, and organized crime activity.
According to Detective Superintendent Joe Matthews, the victim was forcibly taken as he approached his vehicle, and upon release, he was reportedly threatened not to contact law enforcement. Matthews noted that the victim's kidnapping was allegedly motivated by his access to cryptocurrency assets.
Law enforcement began by identifying suspects within 24 hours of the abduction, leading to the arrests of two individuals identified as Saiefeddine Adem, 22, and Raheem Bishop-Jackson, 24. Further arrests took place on August 11, with Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Christian Darbandi, 39 apprehended at that time. Most recently, police arrested Jack Miley, 24, and Suhaib Alekozai, 39, on September 24.
The suspects now face a range of charges, including kidnapping and various firearms-related offences, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Among those charged are three active-duty military members: Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau, and Jack Miley. Both Fernando and Moreau hold the rank of bombardier, with Fernando enlisting as a reservist in January 2020 and Moreau in March 2018, having been deployed in 2020 for Operation Laser during the pandemic.
Police allege that the three service members were involved in organized criminal activities related to the kidnapping. Chief Demkiw highlighted that accountability is paramount, stating, “Whether you are a member of the military or a member of a police service or a public official, no one is above the law.” He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation provided by the Canadian Armed Forces throughout the investigation.
The investigation also led to the execution of search warrants, resulting in the seizure of multiple firearms, including a shotgun and two silencers, alongside over 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Remarkably, authorities reported that nearly all of the ammunition had been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces, emphasizing the breadth of the criminal activities uncovered.
As the investigation progresses, Matthews indicated that the police are working to piece together how all suspects are interconnected within this case. Currently, no additional suspects are outstanding, and law enforcement does not anticipate further arrests related to this incident.
In summary, the events surrounding the kidnapping have raised significant concerns regarding organized crime and the involvement of military personnel in criminal activities. The Toronto authorities continue their investigation to unravel the full scope of this case.
