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ZEC $1,235 Three Canadian soldiers arrested in Toronto crypto kidnapping investigation
Toronto police say seven people, including three Canadian Armed Forces members, face 82 charges in a July abduction aimed at stealing crypto.
Key takeaways
- Seven face charges. Police laid 82 criminal charges against seven accused, three of whom are Canadian Armed Forces members.
- Ammunition recovered. Officers recovered about 2,500 rounds of military ammunition that the Canadian Armed Forces later confirmed as its own.
- Crypto value unknown. Police did not disclose the value of the cryptocurrency involved or whether any digital assets were transferred.
What happened
Toronto police have arrested seven people in a kidnapping investigation tied to an attempt to steal cryptocurrency. Three of the accused are members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and police filed 82 criminal charges.
Police say the investigation began after a man was abducted on July 25 near Finch and Bayview avenues in Toronto. Suspects allegedly assaulted him and tried to gain access to his digital assets and business security systems, and the victim was later released after being warned not to call authorities.
U.Today reported that the victim was a cryptocurrency exchange owner who was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Toronto's North York area. Police said it remains unclear whether the attackers got away with any crypto or what they were trying to steal.
Authorities named the three soldiers as Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Jack Miley, 24. Fernando and Moreau were arrested on Aug. 11, and Miley was arrested on Sept. 24.
Searches in the investigation recovered firearms, illegal drugs, tracking equipment and about 2,500 rounds of ammunition belonging to the Canadian Armed Forces. The charges include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized firearm possession and possession of drugs for trafficking.
Why it matters
The case combines a violent abduction with an attempt to reach cryptocurrency holdings and the security systems of a business. Police say the suspects demanded access to the victim's digital assets during the kidnapping.
The case also involves the military. Canada's Department of National Defence has launched a separate military police investigation and is reviewing its ammunition inventory controls. Police said the military had not previously reported the ammunition missing, then confirmed that the recovered rounds belonged to its inventory.
Investigators are examining how the three military personnel are connected to the other four accused, and police have not established any links to an organized criminal gang.
What the data shows
- Seven people face 82 criminal charges in the case, police said.
- Officers recovered approximately 2,500 rounds of ammunition belonging to the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Fernando and Moreau are bombardiers in a reserve artillery unit, the 7th Toronto Regiment, part of Canada's 32 Canadian Brigade.
- Fernando and Moreau were arrested on Aug. 11, and Miley on Sept. 24.
Background
Fernando entered the military reserves in January 2020 and never deployed, according to Canada's Department of National Defence.
Police identified a vehicle linked to the crime within 24 hours and arrested two suspects.
After the abduction, the victim was freed and warned not to contact authorities.
What is still unclear
- Police have not disclosed how much cryptocurrency was involved, or whether any digital assets were transferred.
- Police said it is unclear whether the alleged attackers were able to get away with any crypto, or what they were trying to steal.
- Investigators are still examining how the three military personnel are connected to the other four accused, and no gang link has been established.
Questions readers ask
How many people were arrested in the Toronto crypto kidnapping case?
Seven people were arrested, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Police laid 82 criminal charges across the seven accused.
Who are the Canadian soldiers charged?
Authorities identified them as Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Jack Miley, 24. Fernando and Moreau were arrested on Aug. 11, and Miley was arrested on Sept. 24.
Was any cryptocurrency stolen?
Police did not disclose the value of the cryptocurrency involved or confirm whether any digital assets were successfully transferred. Police also said it was unclear whether the attackers got away with any crypto.
What did police recover during the investigation?
Officers recovered approximately 2,500 rounds of military ammunition that belonged to the Canadian Armed Forces, plus firearms, GPS tracking devices and illegal drugs.
