Three Canadian soldiers charged in crypto executive kidnapping

Toronto police have announced charges against seven men suspected of involvement in the July 25 kidnapping of a cryptocurrency exchange owner. Among the suspects, three are identified as members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Investigators allege the victim was approached while walking to his vehicle, threatened with a firearm, handcuffed, and assaulted. The motive for the attack was reportedly to gain access to the victim's cryptocurrency holdings and his company's security systems. The victim was later released after being threatened against contacting law enforcement.

A total of 82 charges have been filed, including kidnapping for ransom, unlawful confinement, conspiracy, firearm possession, and drug trafficking. During searches, police seized a shotgun, three 9mm firearms, two silencers, and over 2,700 rounds of ammunition. Approximately 2,500 of those rounds were identified as stolen military ammunition. While the firearms were not confirmed to be military property, the three soldiers face specific charges of kidnapping for ransom with a firearm.