Authorities in Toronto have charged seven individuals with a total of 82 criminal offences following a violent kidnapping targeting a cryptocurrency exchange owner. Three of those accused are current members of the Canadian Armed Forces, police reported.
Crypto executive targeted in violent abduction
The incident unfolded on July 25 in the North York area, where the cryptocurrency exchange owner was allegedly accosted at gunpoint near the intersection of Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue.
According to the Toronto Police Service, a group of suspects allegedly handcuffed and assaulted the victim while attempting to force access to digital assets and business-related security systems.
The victim was eventually released but was warned not to contact authorities. Police have not disclosed whether the attackers managed to access or steal any cryptocurrency.
The Toronto Police Service described how the victim “was handcuffed and beaten while being coerced to surrender his cryptocurrency holdings and business security credentials.” The statement highlighted the severity of the attack and the targeted nature of the crime.
Canadian soldiers identified among suspects
The investigation took an unexpected turn when three of the suspects were found to be serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The individuals were identified as Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Jack Miley, 24.
Toronto Police, working in coordination with Canada’s Department of National Defence, confirmed Fernando and Moreau were arrested on August 11. Miley was taken into custody on September 24.
All seven suspects have been charged with serious offences, including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm and forcible confinement.
Mini dictionary: Canadian Armed Forces, the unified military forces of Canada responsible for defending the country, participating in international peacekeeping, and supporting civil authorities in emergencies.
Department of Defence outlines service records
Canada’s Department of National Defence confirmed that Fernando joined the military reserves in January 2020 but has not served on any deployments. Information regarding the military service history of Moreau and Miley has not been disclosed at this stage.
Authorities have not yet provided details about the other four individuals charged or whether any additional military personnel are involved in the investigation.
Toronto Police continue to investigate any potential links between the suspects and other crypto-related crimes in the region.
