Three Canadian Armed Forces soldiers have been linked to a violent crypto-related kidnapping in Toronto. Now, seven suspects face a total of 82 criminal charges, authorities recently announced.
On July 25, a cryptocurrency exchange owner was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in the North York region of Toronto.
The Toronto Police Service says the victim was taken against their will by a group of suspects while walking up to his car near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue in Toronto.
During the kidnapping, the suspects allegedly handcuffed and beat the victim while trying to get him to access his crypto assets and related security tools for his business.
Ultimately, the victim was freed, but told not to call the police.
It's unclear whether the alleged attackers were able to get away with any crypto, or what they were trying to steal, police said.
Three soldiers part of seven suspects
Investigators took a surprising turn when they learned three of the seven people reportedly tied to the alleged criminal acts were actually members of the Canadian military.
Authorities identified the soldiers as Talarambage Fernando, 22, James Moreau, 29, and Jack Miley, 24.
Fernando and Moreau were arrested on Aug. 11. Miley was arrested on Sept. 24.
The men face charges including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm, forcible confinement, and more.
Per Canada's Department of National Defence, Fernando entered the military reserves in January 2020 but never deployed.
Arman Shirinyan
Dan Burgin
