Toronto police have charged seven men, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces, with 82 criminal offenses after a July abduction in North York that investigators say was aimed at seizing a cryptocurrency exchange owner’s digital assets.
According to a local report, the case, which began as a kidnapping probe, expanded into a broader investigation that uncovered firearms, 3D-printed weapons, illicit drugs, and more than 2,500 rounds of ammunition allegedly stolen from the military.
The Abduction
On July 25, 2026, officers responded to a reported abduction near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue in North York. Police say the victim—the owner of a cryptocurrency exchange—was targeted as he approached his vehicle, abducted at gunpoint, handcuffed, and assaulted.
Suspects allegedly tried to gain access to his cryptocurrency assets and business-related security systems. He was later released after being threatened and warned not to contact police. He suffered only minor injuries and has recovered. His identity has not been made public.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Chief Supt. Joe Matthews of Detective Operations outlined the investigation at a news conference on October 14. “The victim was allegedly targeted because of his access to cryptocurrency assets,” Matthews said. Demkiw described the incident as a “violent kidnapping” that quickly grew into a larger operation involving firearms and drugs.
Arrests and Charges
Within 24 hours, investigators identified a vehicle and arrested two suspects: Raheem Bishop-Jackson, 24, and Saiefeddine Adem, 22, both of Toronto. Further arrests followed on August 11 (Talarambage Fernando, 22; James Moreau, 29; and Christian Darbandi, 39) and September 24 (Jack Miley, 24; and Suhaib Alekozai, 39). By September 24, all seven were in custody.
The 82 charges include kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession for the purpose of trafficking, among other offenses. Three of the accused—Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau, and Jack Miley—are enrolled as reservists in the 7th Toronto Regiment, a reserve artillery unit based at Moss Park Armoury. Following their arrests, they were removed from military duties and had their access to facilities and equipment restricted. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed they remain members pending an administrative review, and the Military Police are investigating the alleged theft of ammunition.
Chief Demkiw stated, “Whether you are a member of the military or a member of a police service or a public official, no one is above the law.” Matthews noted that the military training of the three accused was “quite concerning” for both potential victims and responding officers.
Seizures
Search warrants executed at residences and vehicles across the Greater Toronto Area produced four firearms (including a shotgun and two with 3D-printed receivers), two silencers, ten over-capacity magazines, more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition (roughly half blanks), cellular phones, a replica firearm, GPS tracking devices, and large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances.
Investigators determined that approximately 2,500 rounds and five over-capacity magazines had been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces. Police said there are no outstanding suspects, though the investigation continues, including analysis of seized phones. No link to a larger organized gang has been established at this stage.
Broader Context of Physical Attacks on Crypto Holders
The case fits a documented pattern of criminals using physical violence to coerce access to digital assets rather than relying solely on online exploits. The Crypto Times has previously reported on similar incidents, including the 2024 kidnapping of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka in Toronto, who was released after a $1 million ransom was paid electronically. Earlier coverage has also examined the rise of crypto-related kidnappings, torture, and ransom attempts in multiple countries as asset values and public awareness of holdings have grown.
Matthews observed that “criminals continue to adapt their methods and identify new opportunities for financial gain,” highlighting how digital-asset holders can become targets when their holdings or roles become known.
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