In a recent development, Toronto police revealed that a third individual from the Canadian Armed Forces, along with four other individuals, have been apprehended and formally accused in connection with a kidnapping investigation that also led to the arrest of two other members of Canada’s military reserves.
Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews of Toronto Police Services disclosed that the arrests were made subsequent to an inquiry that commenced after a kidnapping incident on July 25. Allegedly, the victim was held at gunpoint, handcuffed in a vehicle, and subjected to assault while the perpetrators attempted to gain access to cryptocurrency holdings.
One of the arrested individuals is 24-year-old Jack Miley from Toronto, who is a reserve member of the CAF. Miley faces seven charges, including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm, forcible confinement, and several firearm-related charges.
Earlier in August, reserve members Talarambage Fernando and James Moreau from the 7 Toronto Regiment were taken into custody in connection with the same investigation. It was clarified by the police that Miley belongs to a different regiment.
Additionally, four civilians were also detained by the authorities. During the investigation, law enforcement seized at least four firearms and uncovered that approximately 2,700 rounds of ammunition, with half being blanks, were reportedly pilfered from the military. Furthermore, substantial quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances were discovered.
Fernando, aged 22, and Moreau, aged 29, are collectively facing a total of 49 charges, as per the police statement following their arrest. Both individuals have been relieved of their duties and their access to military facilities and bases has been limited by the Department of National Defence.
The charges against Fernando and Moreau include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, use of a firearm during the commission of an indictable offense, and mischief interfering with property.
Chief Superintendent Matthews mentioned that the connection among the seven accused is not yet clear and forms part of the ongoing investigation. He emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking the accused to broader organized crime networks.