TORONTO — Three Canadian Armed Forces members are among seven men charged after a Toronto investigation into the alleged armed abduction of a cryptocurrency-exchange owner, police announced Wednesday.

Toronto police say the investigation has resulted in 82 charges and the seizure of firearms, silencers, drugs and more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition. Approximately 2,500 rounds were later determined to have been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces, according to investigators.

All charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. Each accused person is presumed innocent.

Investigation began with July 25 abduction report

Police say officers responded July 25 to a reported abduction near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue. Investigators allege the victim was forced into a vehicle at gunpoint, handcuffed and assaulted while the abductors tried to gain access to cryptocurrency assets and business security systems. Police say he was later released after being threatened not to contact authorities.

Search warrants at residences and vehicles allegedly produced a shotgun, three 9 mm firearms, two silencers, over-capacity magazines, a replica firearm, knives, hatchets, tracking devices, drugs and other items. Police said the investigation remains active but that they are not seeking additional suspects.

Military confirms regiment and duty restrictions

Police identified Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau and Jack Miley as CAF members. The Department of National Defence told Global News that all three belong to the 7th Toronto Regiment.

DND said the members were removed from military duties after their arrests and their access to military equipment, facilities and bases was restricted. They remain CAF members while administrative reviews continue. Military police are co-operating with Toronto police, and DND said it is strengthening ammunition inventory and oversight procedures.

The other four accused are Raheem Bishop-Jackson, Saiefeddine Adem, Christian Darbandi and Suhaib Alekozai. Charges vary by person and include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, firearm and drug offences, and conspiracy allegations.

Sources

Lead image: Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Supt. Joe Matthews speaking at the October 14 news conference; video still via Global News/Toronto Police Service.