Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 15, 2026
The True Post (Web News) —
TORONTO — An investigation into the kidnapping of a man with access to cryptocurrency assets has uncovered alleged links to organized crime, illegal firearms and the theft of military ammunition in Toronto.
Police have charged seven people, including three members of the Canadian Armed Forces, with a total of 82 criminal offences. Investigators have also seized multiple firearms, two firearm suppressors and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, almost all of which police say were stolen from the Canadian military.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the investigation initially focused on a kidnapping but expanded as officers uncovered evidence of additional alleged criminal activity involving weapons and military ammunition.
Authorities say the investigation is continuing as detectives work to establish the relationships among the accused and determine each individual’s alleged role.
Victim Allegedly Targeted for Access to Cryptocurrency
According to Toronto police, the kidnapping occurred on July 25, 2026, in North York, near Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue.
The Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Kidnapping Unit began investigating after receiving a report of the incident that day.
Police allege that the victim was forcibly abducted and subsequently released. Investigators also allege that he was threatened and warned not to contact police.
Detective Superintendent Joe Matthews told reporters that investigators believe the man was targeted because he had access to cryptocurrency assets.
The investigation subsequently expanded beyond the original kidnapping allegation, leading officers to evidence of other suspected offences, including firearms-related crimes and the alleged theft of military ammunition.
Seven Accused Face 82 Criminal Charges
Police said two suspects were arrested within 24 hours of the alleged kidnapping. They were identified as 22-year-old Saifuddin Adam and 24-year-old Rahim Bishop Jackson.
On August 11, investigators arrested three additional people: 22-year-old Talarambij Fernando, 29-year-old James Morrow and 39-year-old Christian Darbandi.
The investigation continued, and on September 24, police arrested two more suspects, identified as 24-year-old Jack Miley and 39-year-old Sohaib Al-Kozai.
The seven accused face a combined total of 82 criminal charges, including offences related to kidnapping and firearms.
Police said there were no outstanding suspects in connection with the investigation at the time of their announcement and that further arrests were not expected.
The charges represent allegations, and the accused are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Three Canadian Armed Forces Members Among the Accused
Three of the accused have been identified as members of the Canadian Armed Forces: Fernando, Morrow and Miley.
According to the information provided by Canada’s Department of National Defence, Fernando joined the military reserve in January 2020 but had not been deployed on a military operation.
Morrow joined the reserve force in March 2018 and was deployed in 2020 as part of Operation LASER, the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fernando and Morrow held the rank of bombardier, a rank associated with artillery personnel.
Police allege that the three military members were connected to criminal activity uncovered during the kidnapping investigation. They are facing charges alongside the other accused.
The allegations have raised concerns about the reported theft of military ammunition and its possible connection to criminal activity. However, the precise roles of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences remain matters for the judicial process.
Police Chief Says No One Is Above the Law
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw stressed that a person’s occupation, rank or institutional affiliation does not exempt them from legal accountability.
He said that whether someone serves in the military, works for a police service or holds a government position, no one is above the law.
Demkiw also thanked the Canadian Armed Forces for cooperating with investigators.
According to police, coordination between different agencies helped advance the investigation as officers pursued evidence relating to the kidnapping and the additional alleged offences.
More Than 2,000 Rounds of Ammunition Seized
During the investigation, police executed search warrants at multiple locations and seized firearms and ammunition.
The recovered items included a shotgun, two firearm suppressors and other weapons. Investigators also seized more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
Police said almost all of the ammunition recovered during the investigation had allegedly been stolen from the Canadian Armed Forces.
The discovery broadened the scope of the case, bringing the alleged theft and potential illegal use of military equipment into focus alongside the original kidnapping investigation.
Detective Superintendent Joe Matthews said the case had developed into a much larger investigation as officers identified additional suspects and uncovered further evidence.
Investigation Continues as Police Examine Connections
Investigators are continuing to examine the relationships among the seven accused and determine what role each person allegedly played in the suspected offences.
Matthews said detectives are still working to understand how the individuals were connected and how their alleged activities fit into the broader case.
Police have said they are not seeking additional suspects at this stage and do not anticipate further arrests.
The investigation highlights the potential overlap between cryptocurrency-related crime, kidnapping, illegal firearms and the alleged theft of military ammunition.
Authorities are continuing to assess the evidence recovered during searches as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
