Police confirm national security, terrorism aren’t threats in London, Ont., explosives investigation

As four people charged with allegedly storing chemicals and manufacturing firearms in a home remain in custody, investigators in London, Ont., said Friday there’s no evidence this is a case of terrorism or a threat to national security.

The London Police Service shared additional details about the investigation during a morning news conference.

“We have to be abundantly cautious in ensuring that our approach through the investigation is deliberate, methodical and includes the possibility that there is or was a national security element to it,” said Deputy Chief Paul Bastien. “This is a case where we don’t believe that to be the case.

“This is not a terrorism investigation. This is not a national security investigation.”

Jerry Tong, Zekun Wang, Fei (Frank) Han and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji were charged with possessing explosives and manufacturing firearms, among other counts, following a days-long search of a residence at 212 Chesham Place.

Tong is the only one who doesn’t live in London. Police and court records have linked him to Ottawa and a house in Gatineau, Que., respectively, and the case has seen search warrants issued for locations in both cities.

The investigation began after police received a trespassing call from Western University on Jan. 24 that led them to the house in the nearby University Heights neighbourhood. 

In a video posted to YouTube in October, Tong, Wang and Han explained they were in the process of designing a military system meant to prevent drone attacks.

Sean Travis, London police’s acting detective superintendent, said he’s aware of the videos circulating online, but it’s too early to confirm how they apply to the charges.

“It’d be irresponsible to speculate on what it could be. Our investigation is going to be led by facts,” he said. “What I can say is that the laying of charges under the Criminal Code is basically a statement by London police that we have reasonable grounds to believe … offences have been committed.”

All four accused remain in police custody, with bail hearings scheduled in London court in the coming days. 

The charges are as follows:

Jerry Tong

• Carrying a concealed weapon.
• Careless use of a firearm.
• Possessing a loaded regulated firearm.
• Resisting arrest.
• Breaking and entering with intent.
• Occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.
• Possessing an explosive substance.
• Storing a restricted weapon in a careless manner.
• Possessing a prohibited firearm.
• Possessing a loaded firearm at the residence.
• Manufacturing a prohibited firearm.

Zekun Wang

• Breaking and entering with intent.
• Occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.
• Possessing an explosive substance.
• Storing a restricted weapon in a careless manner.
• Possessing a prohibited firearm.
• Possessing a loaded firearm at the residence.
• Manufacturing a prohibited firearm.

Fei (Frank) Han

• Unlawful possession of explosives, including several precursor substances and finished high explosives.
• Storing a restricted weapon in a careless manner.
• Possessing a prohibited firearm.
• Possessing a loaded firearm at the residence.
• Manufacturing a prohibited firearm.

Feiyang (Astrid) Ji

• Unlawful possession of explosives, including several precursor substances and finished high explosives.
• Storing a restricted weapon in a careless manner.
• Possessing a prohibited firearm.
• Possessing a loaded firearm at the residence.
• Manufacturing a prohibited firearm.