Seven Arrested, Including Military Members, in Crypto Kidnapping Case

Overview

• Toronto police have charged seven men, including three Canadian Armed Forces members, in connection with the July kidnapping of a crypto exchange owner.
• The victim was allegedly abducted at gunpoint as part of a scheme to access his cryptocurrency assets.
• Authorities discovered firearms, drugs, and over 2,700 rounds of ammunition during the investigation.

In a significant development, Toronto police announced the arrest of seven individuals—three of whom are members of the Canadian Armed Forces—linked to the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency exchange owner. The police have filed a total of 82 charges, which include kidnapping for ransom and multiple firearms-related offenses. The identity of the victim and the specific exchange involved have not been disclosed.

The abduction occurred on July 25, 2026, when the victim was approached near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue. He was reportedly taken at gunpoint, handcuffed, and assaulted as the suspects attempted to access his cryptocurrency and business security systems. He was eventually released after being threatened with further harm if he contacted law enforcement.

Seven men arrested. Firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition seized.
 
Chief @TPSMyronDemkiw discusses the risks involved in such investigations.

Among the arrested are Saiefeddine Adem (22), Raheem Bishop-Jackson (24), Talarambage Fernando (22), James Moreau (29), and Christian Darbandi (39), who were taken into custody between July and September. Fernando, Moreau, and Jack Miley (24) have been identified as reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces and have since been removed from their military duties.

During searches of their residences and vehicles, authorities found a range of weapons, including a shotgun and two firearms made from 3D-printed parts, as well as two silencers, GPS tracking devices, handcuffs, and significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. Investigators also discovered that approximately 2,500 rounds of the total 2,700 rounds of ammunition were stolen from military stockpiles.

Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews stated that this case illustrates the evolving tactics of criminals targeting digital assets. He emphasized that no individual, regardless of their background, is above the law. Police have indicated that there are no additional suspects at this time, although the investigation remains active as they work to piece together the connections among the accused.

Context of Crypto-related Kidnappings in Canada

This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of kidnappings in Canada associated with cryptocurrency. Notable cases include the 2024 abduction of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, who was released after a ransom of $720,000 was paid, and a 2025 case where a man was sentenced to 13 years for kidnapping a victim for a $1 million Bitcoin ransom. Furthermore, a guilty plea was entered by one of the individuals involved in the abduction of self-proclaimed "Crypto King" Aiden Pleterski in December 2022, further highlighting the risks linked to the crypto industry.