Three Canadian Armed Forces Members Charged in Kidnapping of Crypto Exchange Owner

Introduction

Toronto police have charged seven men, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces, in connection with the July 2026 abduction of a cryptocurrency exchange owner. The investigation uncovered a cache of firearms, 3D‑printed weapon parts, silencers, drugs, and more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition—most of it allegedly stolen from military stores. The case highlights the growing intersection of organized crime, digital‑asset theft, and the misuse of military‑grade resources.

The kidnapping and the suspects

The victim was approached near the intersection of Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue on July 25, 2026. According to police, he was forced at gunpoint into a vehicle, handcuffed, and assaulted while the suspects attempted to access his crypto holdings and business security systems. After a period of intimidation, the victim was released with a warning not to involve law enforcement.

Seven men have been arrested:

• Saiefeddine Adem, 22
• Raheem Bishop‑Jackson, 24
• Talarambage Fernando, 22 (Canadian Armed Forces reservist)
• James Moreau, 29 (Canadian Armed Forces reservist)
• Christian Darbandi, 39
• Jack Miley, 24 (Canadian Armed Forces member)
• Suhaib Alekozai, 39

The three military‑affiliated suspects were identified as members of the 7th Toronto Regiment. Following their arrests, the Department of National Defence removed them from active duties.

Evidence seized

Searches of the suspects’ homes and vehicles yielded a substantial weapons cache:

• One shotgun and two 9mm pistols with 3D‑printed receivers
• Two silencers and multiple GPS tracking devices
• Handcuffs and a large quantity of methamphetamine and cocaine
• Over 2,700 rounds of ammunition, of which roughly 2,500 were traced to theft from Canadian Armed Forces stores

Police have filed 82 charges, ranging from kidnapping for ransom to numerous firearms‑related offenses and drug possession.

Context: Crypto‑related crime in Canada

This kidnapping follows a pattern of high‑profile crypto‑thefts and extortions in Canada. Notable precedents include:

• The 2024 WonderFi case, where a CEO was freed after a $720,000 ransom.
• A 2025 sentencing of a man who demanded a $1 million Bitcoin ransom, receiving a 13‑year prison term.
• The 2022 abduction of self‑styled "Crypto King" Aiden Pleterski, whose perpetrators later pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

Law enforcement officials have warned that criminals are increasingly targeting digital‑asset holders, exploiting both the anonymity of blockchain transactions and the high monetary value of crypto holdings.

Closing thoughts

The Toronto case underscores the challenges faced by authorities when sophisticated criminal groups blend traditional weaponry with cyber‑focused motives. The involvement of active‑duty military personnel raises concerns about internal security and the potential for stolen military supplies to fuel organized crime. As investigations continue, police stress that no individual—whether a soldier, officer, or public official—is above the law, and they remain vigilant against the evolving tactics of crypto‑related kidnappers.