Four Western University affiliates face 31 charges in Ontario explosives and firearms case
Four former or current Western University students have been hit with a total of 31 counts, including explosives and illegal firearm offenses, after a police investigation in London, Ont.
A London, Ontario court docket shows that Jerry Tong, Zekun (Alex) Wang, Fei (Frank) Han and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji face a combined 31 charges tied to an alleged explosives and firearms operation. The latest indictment adds counts for possessing PETN, TNT, DNP, HMTD and lead azide, as well as stolen university property and illicit computer data for 3D-printed weapons. Police first responded to a nighttime trespassing incident at Western University on Jan. 24, which led to arrests at a house on 212 Chesham Place and subsequent searches of homes in Orleans and Gatineau.
The suspects, all linked to Western's engineering program, were initially charged with handgun manufacturing and possession of a loaded restricted handgun. Bail decisions vary: Tong remains detained, Han was denied bail, Wang was released under strict house-arrest conditions, and Ji is out on bail without sureties.
Why it matters
The case highlights serious safety concerns over illicit explosives and 3D-printed firearms linked to university students.
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