Three Canadian Armed Forces Members Charged in Toronto Crypto Abduction

Three Canadian Armed Forces members are among seven men facing 82 charges in a Toronto case in which police allege an exchange owner was abducted and targeted for access to crypto.

The Toronto Police Service alleges the owner was taken at gunpoint near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue on July 25, handcuffed and assaulted, then released after being warned not to contact police.

The three service members are Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Jack Miley, 24. Fernando and Moreau were arrested Aug. 11; Miley was arrested Sept. 24.

The charges across the group include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, conspiracy, firearms offenses and possession of controlled substances for trafficking. The charges differ by accused.

Searches turned up firearms, two silencers, controlled substances and more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition. Investigators later determined about 2,500 rounds had been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The alleged attempt also involved the victim’s business security systems. The investigation is ongoing.