3rd member of Canadian Armed Forces charged in kidnapping probe: Toronto police

2 other military reserve members, 4 civilians also arrested and charged, police say

A third member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has been charged in a kidnapping probe alongside four civilians, Toronto police announced Wednesday.

Joe Matthews, chief superintendent with Toronto Police Services, said at a news conference the accused were arrested following an investigation that started while looking into a kidnapping on July 25. Police allege the victim was confined in the car at gunpoint, handcuffed and was assaulted as suspects tried to access cryptocurrency assets.

"This investigation highlights an evolving trend that we are seeing seeing in serious criminal activity," Mathews said. "Criminals continue to adapt their methods and identify new opportunities for financial gain."

2 Canadian Armed Forces members arrested in organized crime, kidnapping probe, DND says

Jack Miley, a 24-year-old from Toronto and reserve member of the CAF, was arrested on Sept. 24 and is facing seven charges including kidnapping for ransom with a firearm, forcible confinement and a number of firearm charges, said Matthews.

Earlier this month, police announced Talarambage Fernando and James Moreau, both bombardiers and reserve members of the 7 Toronto Regiment, were arrested on Aug. 11 in relation to the same investigation. Miley is a member of a different regiment, police said Wednesday.

Four civilians were also arrested, according to police. Matthews said the accused's involvement in the military is alarming.

"These are highly trained individuals with access to firearms and that creates a lot of concern for not only our community, but our officers," said Matthews.

Police Chief Myron Demkiw said he couldn't offer more details as the case is now before the courts, but he did speak to reporters about the importance of upholding public trust.

"Whether you are a member of the military or a member of police service or a public official, no one is above the law," said Demkiw.

Police recovered at least four firearms during the investigation and 2,700 rounds of ammunition, about half of them blanks, were allegedly stolen from the military. They also found large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances.

Police recovered at least four firearms, 2,700 rounds of ammunition and large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances during the investigation. (Keira Mahoney/CBC)

Fernando, 22, and Moreau, 29, are facing a combined total of 49 charges, police said following their arrest. The pair have since been removed from their duties and their access to military facilities and bases has been restricted, according to the Department of National Defence.

Both have been charged with kidnapping for ransom, forcible confinement, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, use of a firearm during the commission of an indictable offence, and mischief interfere with property.

Matthews said it’s not clear how the seven accused all knew each other, but said that detail is part of the ongoing investigation. He said there’s nothing to indicate the accused are tied to any larger organized crime circles, though investigators are still combing through cellphones found in the probe.

CBC has reached out to the Department of National Defence for comment on Miley's arrest.

With files from The Canadian Press