Three Canadian Soldiers Busted in Armed Crypto Kidnapping Plot

Three Canadian Soldiers Arrested in Armed Crypto Kidnapping Plot

Toronto police have arrested seven people—including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces—in an investigation into an alleged kidnapping attempt tied to cryptocurrency theft.

Authorities say the group abducted and assaulted a man in July in an effort to force him to provide access to his digital assets as well as business security systems. Police allege the victim was held at gunpoint and later released with a warning not to contact law enforcement.

Police have laid 82 criminal charges across the case, including allegations related to kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, and multiple firearms offences.

The three military members charged were identified as Talarambage Sachintha Fernando, James Moreau and Jack Miley. Police said all three are members of the 7th Toronto Regiment, a reserve artillery unit within 32 Canadian Brigade that operates from Moss Park Armoury at 130 Queen Street East in Toronto.

Fernando, 22, of North York, and Moreau, 29, of Markham, face charges that include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, use of a firearm during an indictable offence, and mischief, according to police. Miley, 24, was arrested later in the investigation.

Toronto police said the investigation widened beyond the initial abduction after officers identified additional suspects and uncovered further evidence. Within 24 hours of the alleged kidnapping, investigators arrested two suspects. Additional arrests followed on Aug. 11, and police later arrested more suspects on Sept. 24.

During searches, investigators recovered items police described as connected to the alleged plot, including firearms, GPS tracking devices, and illegal drugs. Police also said they seized approximately 2,500 rounds of military ammunition believed to have been stolen from the armed forces, along with over-capacity magazines.

Toronto police emphasized concerns about the alleged involvement of military-trained suspects. Det. Sgt. Matthews said their training was “quite concerning” for both potential victims and officers who might encounter them, adding that they are “highly trained individuals with access to firearms.”

The Department of National Defence confirmed earlier in October that Fernando and Moreau had been removed from military duties following their arrests.

The case underscores a continuing risk in the crypto sector: while many high-profile thefts occur online, individuals believed to control or have access to digital assets can also face real-world threats, including extortion and kidnapping attempts. Toronto police said the investigation remains ongoing.