A high-ranking official within the Department of National Defence has expressed keen interest in a potentially groundbreaking anti-drone system, but only after those responsible face the consequences of serious legal allegations. The system is the focus of a startup founded by three men now facing charges related to guns and explosives.
Mark Robbins, a director at BOREALIS – a federal agency created to rapidly advance technologies for the Canadian Armed Forces – emphasized a critical point: innovation and national security ambitions cannot excuse unlawful behavior. He underscored the importance of startups operating within the bounds of the law, particularly when dealing with sensitive technologies.
BOREALIS was established in 2025 as part of a broader national strategy to bolster Canada’s defence capabilities and support its domestic defence industry. This initiative reflects a growing concern over safeguarding sovereignty in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, accompanied by significant increases in military spending.
The case began with a simple trespassing call at Western University. Special constables responding to the incident quickly uncovered a loaded handgun, leading to the arrest of a suspect and triggering a wider investigation by London police.
The investigation swiftly escalated, leading officers to a residence where they discovered chemicals with the potential to manufacture explosives. Two more individuals were arrested, and the property was secured for an extensive forensic examination lasting two weeks.
Authorities ultimately recovered firearms and a quantity of explosives from the home, prompting the involvement of five police forces, including a specialized RCMP unit focused on terrorism and national security threats. Searches were also conducted in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec.
Despite the gravity of the discoveries, police have stated the case is not currently being treated as a national security or terrorism investigation. Four individuals – Jerry Tong, Zekun Wang, Fei Han, and Feiyang Ji – now face a series of charges including unlawful possession of explosives and firearm-related offences.
Business records reveal that Tong registered MORS LAB, the company developing the anti-drone system, as a sole proprietorship in December 2025. The company’s registered address is in Orleans, Ontario, and was also subject to a search as part of the investigation.
A promotional video for MORS LAB showcases their innovative approach to drone defence, utilizing thermal AI and electromagnetic pulses. The video reveals the company possesses a CNC mill and a chemical lab, though their exact location remains undisclosed.
Notably, none of the founders had registered with Canada’s controlled goods program, a regulatory requirement for technologies with military or national security implications. Experts in the field have pointed out this oversight, given the nature of MORS LAB’s work.
Robbins, recognizing the potential value of MORS LAB’s technology, extended an invitation for them to connect with him once their legal issues are resolved. He expressed a willingness to explore how their system might address the needs of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between fostering innovation in the defence sector and ensuring strict adherence to legal regulations. A Canadian senator lauded Robbins’ perspective, emphasizing the need to learn from this situation and adapt policies to support emerging technologies.
Western University confirmed that individuals connected to the investigation were removed from a business accelerator program offered through its Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship. The university declined to provide further details regarding MORS LAB’s involvement.
Currently, three of the accused remain in custody, while Zekun Wang was granted bail under strict conditions, including house arrest and a substantial financial pledge from himself and his parents. Bail hearings are pending for the remaining two individuals.
