Four individuals implicated in a probe involving the creation of explosives and firearms in London, Ontario, are now facing 19 additional charges, as per court records submitted on Tuesday. Jerry Tong, Zekun (Alex) Wang, Fei (Frank) Han, and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji were initially charged in January. These four individuals, who were either students or recent graduates of Western University, with the male members having backgrounds in the university’s engineering department, now confront a total of 31 distinct charges, including joint charges against all four and specific accusations against each individual.
The new charges encompass possession of five designated explosive materials, possession of stolen property, and access to computer information linked to firearm manufacturing. The investigation, which commenced on Jan. 24 following an incident where two men trespassed into a Western University engineering building, led to the arrest of one person outside the building and the subsequent apprehension of the remaining three individuals in a residence in the University Heights neighborhood.
Law enforcement conducted an extensive search of the residence at 212 Chesham Place, where Wang, Han, and Ji resided, along with two other homes in Orléans, Ottawa, and Gatineau, Quebec. Initial firearms charges against the group included the production of a handgun and possession of a loaded restricted handgun. Subsequent charges against Tong, Wang, and Ji involve possession of firearm accessories, another prohibited firearm, and mishandling and improper storage of a rifle.
Tong, facing the majority of charges, is also accused of various events in different cities, such as storing rifles in Orléans, manufacturing a prohibited firearm in Ottawa, and possessing a rifle at an unauthorized location in Quebec. The individuals are navigating the legal process, with two released on bail and two remaining in custody. Wang, granted bail under strict conditions, including 24-hour house arrest and supervision from two sureties, while Ji is out on bail without sureties. Tong opted not to seek bail and remains in custody.