A new development in a kidnapping investigation led to the arrest of a third member of the Canadian Armed Forces and four other individuals, as announced by the Toronto police on Wednesday. According to Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews of Toronto Police Services, the arrests were made in connection with a kidnapping incident on July 25, where the victim was allegedly held at gunpoint in a car, handcuffed, and assaulted by suspects attempting to access cryptocurrency assets.
One of the arrested individuals is Jack Miley, a 24-year-old resident of Toronto and a member of the CAF reserves, who was apprehended on September 24. Miley is facing seven charges, including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm, forcible confinement, and several firearm-related offenses. The other two previously arrested individuals, Talarambage Fernando and James Moreau, both reserve members of the 7 Toronto Regiment, were taken into custody on August 11 in connection with the same investigation.
Additionally, four civilians were also arrested in connection with the case. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered at least four firearms and seized 2,700 rounds of ammunition, with approximately half of them being blanks, reportedly stolen from the military. Furthermore, substantial amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances were found.
Fernando, 22, and Moreau, 29, collectively face a total of 49 charges post their apprehension. The duo has been relieved of their duties, and their access to military facilities and bases has been restricted by the Department of National Defence. Charges against them 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.
Although it remains unclear how all seven accused individuals are connected, Matthews mentioned that this aspect is under ongoing investigation. He clarified that there is no evidence suggesting the accused have links to larger organized crime networks.
