Active-Duty Soldiers Charged in Toronto Kidnapping and Ransom Ring
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Toronto police recovered military ammunition after an abduction probe led to the arrest of seven individuals, including three Canadian Armed Forces members.
Three members of the Canadian Armed Forces are among seven people facing a total of 82 charges following a kidnapping investigation in Toronto, according to reporting from Global News Toronto.
Supt. Joe Matthews and Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated the investigation began July 25 after a victim was abducted at gunpoint near Finch and Bayview avenues. The victim was handcuffed and assaulted as suspects allegedly attempted to access his cryptocurrency assets.
Among those arrested are Bombardiers Sachintha Fernando, 22, and James Moreau, 29, both members of the 7th Toronto Regiment. A Department of National Defence (DND) spokesperson told Global News Toronto that Moreau joined as a reservist in March 2018 and served on Operation LASER in 2020, while Fernando joined in January 2020. Fernando and Moreau face 49 charges, including forcible confinement and kidnapping for ransom. A third military member, 24-year-old Jack Milley, faces charges including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and kidnapping for ransom with a firearm.
Police seized a variety of weapons and narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and two 9 mm firearms with 3D printed receivers. Supt. Matthews noted that investigators recovered approximately 2,500 rounds of military ammunition. Matthews expressed concern regarding the military training of the suspects, stating it poses a risk to both the community and responding officers.
Charges were also laid against four other Toronto residents: Suhaib Alekozai, 39, Christian Darbandi, 39, Saiefeddine Adem, 22, and Raheem Bishop-Jackson, 24. The DND confirmed that Fernando and Moreau were removed from duties and had their access to military bases and equipment restricted pending an administrative review.