Two Canadian soldiers identified as Sachintha Fernando and James Moreau have been removed from their positions after they were arrested over allegations related to kidnapping, organised crime and the alleged theft of firearms and weapons. 

It was learnt that the suspects, both members of the 7th Toronto Regiment, a reserve artillery unit based at Moss Park Armoury in Toronto, were arrested in August, but Canada’s National Defence only made the incident public.

News outlet Ladies Corner reported that authorities alleged that Messrs Fernando and Moreau bypassed standard military protocols to steal military-grade equipment, which reportedly ended up with criminal groups.

In a statement by the National Defence spokesperson, Andrée-Anne Poulin, the agency stated that it was aware of the indictment of the men by the Toronto Police Service on criminal charges, stating that they 

were immediately suspended after their arrest. 

“We are aware that both individuals were arrested by the Toronto Police Service on August 11, 2026, on charges related to organized crime, kidnapping, and the theft of firearms and weapons,” Ms Poulin said. 

She added, “Bombardier Fernando enrolled in the Canadian Army as a Reservist in January 2020. He has not deployed on a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operation. Bombardier Moreau enrolled in the Canadian Army as a Reservist in March 2018 and deployed on Operation LASER in 2020.”

“Following their arrests, both individuals were removed from military duties and their access to CAF equipment, facilities, and bases was restricted.”

The National Defence did not provide details of the weapons the suspects allegedly stole, but reports said the inventory included automatic firearms and tactical gear.

The agency, however, noted that the suspects would remain members of the Canadian Armed Forces until the military completes its investigation into the case.

“They remain members of the CAF pending the outcome of an administrative review. An administrative review is a formal process used to assess matters that may affect a member’s continued service while providing procedural fairness,” Ms Poulin added.