A chilling discovery in London, Ontario, has unveiled a complex web of ambition, research, and potentially dangerous intentions. Four individuals – Jerry Tong, Zekun Wang, Fei Han, and Feiyang Ji – now face serious charges following the discovery of chemicals capable of producing explosives at a residence near Western University.
The investigation began with a seemingly simple trespasser incident at Western University on January 24th. When campus security attempted to detain the individual, a chase ensued, ultimately leading to an arrest and a call to London police. This initial event would quickly unravel a far more intricate and unsettling scenario.
What authorities found at a nearby home on Chesham Place was deeply concerning: a cache of hazardous chemicals, described in court documents as “numerous precursor substances and finished high explosives.” The discovery immediately triggered a multi-agency response, drawing in the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, alongside provincial and regional police forces.
Adding a layer of intrigue, a promotional video surfaced revealing a connection between Tong, Wang, and Han to MORS LAB, a startup focused on developing cutting-edge drone defense technology. The video paints a picture of innovation and ambition, showcasing a “mobile and low-cost system” designed to neutralize unmanned aerial systems using advanced AI and electromagnetic pulses.
In the pitch, Tong passionately describes a “multibillion-dollar demand” for counter-drone systems, fueled by the escalating use of weaponized drones in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. He details the startup’s capabilities, including a fully equipped chemical lab and a pickup truck-based prototype, aiming for a fully operational system by August 2026.
Han, in the same video, highlights his expertise in PCB design and 3D modeling, essential components for the system’s hardware integration. He speaks of building upon past work with micro resonators, now focused on refining the antennas crucial for the drone defense technology.
The video reveals more than just technical prowess. It showcases the founders’ academic backgrounds, all tied to Western University. Tong studied integrated engineering, while Wang holds a master’s degree in engineering science and received research awards for his work on high-speed motion controls and vacuum systems. Han also boasts a master’s degree in mechanical and materials engineering from the same institution.
Beyond the technical details, the video hints at a history of entrepreneurial drive. Tong mentions a previous 3D printing business that thrived with the help of Western’s Propel Summer Incubator, a program designed to nurture promising startups. He credits the program with boosting his sales from $10,000 to over a quarter million dollars.
However, the narrative takes a darker turn when considering the charges now facing these individuals: unlawful possession of explosives, firearm offenses, and even allegations of breaking and entering. The RCMP’s involvement signals the gravity of the situation, classifying it as a matter of national security.
While Feiyang Ji doesn’t appear in the MORS LAB promotional material, she is also implicated in the charges and is listed as a student in Western’s faculty of science. The university has acknowledged cooperating with the police investigation, prioritizing the safety of its campus community.
The investigation has expanded beyond London, with searches conducted in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec, where Tong resides. As the legal proceedings unfold, the full extent of the alleged activities and the motivations behind them remain shrouded in mystery, leaving a community grappling with unsettling questions.
The case remains in its early stages, with legal representatives for Han, Wang, and Ji offering limited comment. The connection between the ambitious drone defense startup and the discovery of explosive materials continues to fuel speculation and underscores the complex intersection of innovation, security, and potential danger.
