The Toronto Police Service has arrested seven men and seized firearms, silencers, more than 2,700 rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of illicit drugs following an extensive investigation into the violent abduction of the owner of a cryptocurrency exchange.

Watch the media conference here.

The investigation, led by the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force's Kidnapping Unit, began after officers responded to a reported abduction in the Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue area on July 25, 2026.

Investigators allege the victim was targeted as he approached his vehicle, forcibly abducted at gunpoint, handcuffed, and assaulted while suspects attempted to gain access to cryptocurrency assets and business-related security systems. The victim was later released after being threatened and warned not to contact police.

“What started as an abduction investigation quickly became much bigger. Through the dedication and persistence of our investigators, every lead was pursued and every new piece of evidence led them to another person, another location, and another important discovery. Their work resulted not only in seven arrests, but also the seizure of firearms, stolen ammunition, drugs, and other items that posed a significant risk to public safety,” said Chief Myron Demkiw.

Through their investigation, officers identified and arrested seven suspects believed to have participated in the abduction. As the investigation progressed, search warrants executed at multiple residences and vehicles resulted in the seizure of:

• A shotgun
• Two 9mm firearms with 3D printed receivers
• A third 9mm firearm that was not safely stored
• Two silencers
• Ten over-capacity magazines
• More than 2,700 rounds of ammunition
• Cellular phones
• A replica firearm
• Multiple knives and hatchets
• GPS tracking devices
• A money counter
• Portable radios
• Handcuffs
• Balaclava
• A Baton
• Crossbow and arrows
• Firearm storage boxes
• Canadian currency
• A large quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances

Investigators later determined that approximately 2,500 rounds of assorted ammunition had been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces.

While investigators continue to examine the connections between the accused, three of the men arrested – Talarambage Fernando, James Moreau and Jack Miley – have been confirmed as members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Chief Superintendent of Detective Operations, Joe Matthews, noted that the investigation reflects the increasingly sophisticated and targeted nature of crimes involving digital assets.

"Criminals continue to adapt their methods and seek new opportunities for financial gain. This investigation demonstrates our commitment to pursuing offenders who use violence, intimidation, and firearms to target victims."

The investigation remains ongoing.

Arrests and Charges

Seven men have been arrested and 82 charges laid:

On August 11, 2026, Talarambage Fernando, 22, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom (with a firearm)
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
4. Use Firearm During the Commission of an Indictable Offence
5. Mischief Interfere with Property
6. Conspiracy to Commit and Indictable Offence
7. 12 counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device
8. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
9. Two counts of Careless Storage of Firearm
10. Five counts of Careless Storage of Ammunition 
11. Possession of a Firearm Knowing it's Possession is Unauthorized
12. Two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
13. Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition Readily Accessible
14. Five counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
15. Possess Loaded Regulated Firearm
16. Unlicenced Person Possess Prohib/Restricted Weapon
17. Possess Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence and Registration Certificate
18. Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
19. Use/Handle/Store Firearm, Etc. Carelessly
20. Use/Handle/Store Ammunition Carelessly

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on August 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in room 105.

On July 26, 2026, Raheem Bishop-Jackson, 24, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Use imitation firearm in the commission of an indictable offence
4. Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence: CDSA 5(2) Possess Schedule I Substance for Trafficking
5. Three counts of Possess a Schedule I Substance for Trafficking

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on July 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in room 107.

On July 26, 2026, Saiefeddine Adem, 22, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Use imitation firearm in the commission of an indictable offence
4. Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
5. Five counts of Possess Schedule I Substance for Trafficking

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on July 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in room 107.

On August 11, 2026, James Moreau, 29, of Markham, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom (with a firearm)
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
4. Use Firearm During the Commission of an Indictable Offence
5. Mischief Interfere with Property
6. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
7. Two counts of Possess Schedule I Substance for Trafficking

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on August 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in room 105.

On August 11, 2026, Christian Darbandi, 39, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on August 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in room 105.

On September 24, 2026, Jack Miley, 24, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom (with a firearm)
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
4. Use Firearm During the Commission of an Indictable Offence
5. Point Firearm
6. Mischief Interfere with Property
7. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on September 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in room 105.

On September 24, 2026, Suhaib Alekozai, 39, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Kidnapping for Ransom (with a firearm)
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
4. Use Firearm During the Commission of an Indictable Offence
5. Mischief Interfere with Property
6. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
7. Unsafe Storage Firearm
8. Unsafe Storage Ammunition

They were scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on September 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in room 105.