London police say Western students accused of manufacturing firearms and explosives in ongoing investigation

Playing null of undefined

Chesham Place accused granted bail

Bail hearing set for one suspect in Chesham Place investigation

Fei Han makes court appearance, as all Chesham Place accused remain in custody

Zekun Wang appears in court Thursday for bail hearing

‘We all get to go home, my client is the only one who returns to a cage’

Two Chesham Avenue accused appear in court for bail hearings

Two Chesham Avenue suspects make court appearance

London police clear scene at Chesham Avenue

‘This is not a national security investigation’

Police to provide Chesham Avenue investigation update on Friday

RCMP assisting in Chesham Avenue explosives investigation

Firearms, explosives charges laid in investigation near Western University

Hazardous chemicals investigation update

Search warrants executed in Ottawa, Gatineau in Chesham Avenue investigation

Additional charges laid in Chesham Avenue investigation

Arrests made as part of Chesham Avenue and Western University investigation

Multi-day police presence on Chesham Avenue unnerves residents

London police are revealing new details in what they describe as a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation connected to Western University, confirming additional weapons and explosives being located in Ontario and Quebec.

During a media briefing Friday, investigators said recent searches in Ottawa and Gatineau led to the seizure of more firearms and explosive materials.

Det. Supt. Sean Travis said warrants were executed at two locations as part of the expanding probe.

“30 Chancery Court in Orleans and 24 Rue du Fanion in Gatineau, Quebec, were searched as a result of this investigation,” Travis explained. “With information that had been learned, it led to the further location of firearms and explosives.”

Police said items seized during multiple search warrants suggest the accused were involved in manufacturing firearms and explosives.

Despite the discoveries, investigators emphasized there is no apparent threat to national security.

“At this point in the investigation, this is not a terrorism investigation, this is not a national security investigation,” said Deputy Chief Paul Bastien. “We have partnered with the OPP and RCMP to ensure they are informed, engaged and have the opportunity to provide their expertise and input.”

Authorities also confirmed all four accused are current or former Western University students. They face multiple charges and remain in custody.

Police acknowledged they are aware of videos posted on YouTube by one of the accused, which feature a pitch for a startup called MORSLAB. In one video, the individual describes technology related to drone detection and electromagnetic systems.

Investigators add the videos form part of the ongoing investigation but would not comment on how they may relate to the case.

The investigation began two weeks ago following a trespassing incident on Western University grounds and the discovery of a loaded handgun.

That incident led officers to a home on Chesham Place in the University Heights neighbourhood, where chemicals capable of producing explosives were discovered.

Police say more information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.

The suspects face the following charges

Jerry Tong, 27, of Ottawa, is charged with the following:

• Carry concealed weapon
• Careless use of a firearm
• Possess loaded regulated firearm
• Resist arrest
• Break and enter with intent
• Occupy a motor vehicle with a firearm
• Unlawful possession of explosives
• Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition

Zekun Wang, 26, of London, is charged with the following:

• Break and enter with intent
• Occupy a motor vehicle with a firearm
• Unlawful possession of explosives
• Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition

Fei (Frank) Han, 25, of London, is charged with the following:

• Unlawful possession of explosives
• Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition
• Weapons trafficking

Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21, of London, is charged with the following:

• Unlawful possession of explosives
• Possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition

With files from CTV News London’s Bailey Shakyaver