Three Canadian Soldiers Arrested in Crypto Kidnapping Case

According to CryptoNews, Toronto police have arrested seven individuals, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and filed 82 criminal charges following a violent kidnapping and extortion attempt targeting a cryptocurrency holder.

Kidnapping and Extortion Investigation

According to a CTV News report citing Toronto police, the investigation began after a man was abducted on July 25 near Finch and Bayview avenues in Toronto. Suspects placed the victim in handcuffs, assaulted him, and demanded access to his digital assets and business security systems. The victim was later released with warnings not to contact authorities.

Investigators identified a suspect vehicle within 24 hours of the crime, leading to the initial arrests. Subsequent search warrants uncovered firearms, methamphetamine, cocaine, GPS tracking devices, and approximately 2,500 rounds of stolen military ammunition. Police laid 82 criminal charges across the seven suspects, covering offenses such as kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized firearm possession, and drug trafficking.

Military Personnel Involvement

Three military personnel were identified by investigators as Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau, and Jack Miley. Fernando and Moreau serve as bombardiers with the 7th Toronto Regiment, a reserve artillery unit operating from Moss Park Armoury. The Department of National Defence confirmed that both men were removed from military duties in October following their arrests.

Canada’s Department of National Defence launched a separate military police investigation into the recovered ammunition and is reviewing its inventory controls. Military officials acknowledged that the recovered rounds belonged to its inventory, though the losses had not been previously reported to police.

Key facts

• Seven people arrested, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Police filed 82 criminal charges following a July 25 kidnapping and extortion attempt.
• Investigators recovered approximately 2,500 rounds of stolen military ammunition, firearms, and illegal drugs.
• Two accused soldiers served as bombardiers with the 7th Toronto Regiment and have been removed from military duties.