Man Charged with Explosives Possession in G20-Related Arrest

A Toronto man has been charged with explosives offenses in what police are calling a G20-related incident.
Man Charged with Explosives Possession in G20-Related Arrest
Matthew Little
6/23/2010
Updated:
6/23/2010
A Toronto man has been charged with explosives offenses in what police are calling a G20-related incident on Tuesday.

Toronto Police arrested the man after executing a search warrant on a Toronto home in an upscale neighbourhood. Police say his arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation and part of police efforts to ensure a “safe and secure G20 Summit.”

Byron Sonne, 37, has been charged with six counts including “intimidation of justice system participant by threat, intimidation of justice system participant by watch and beset, mischief interference with property, attempted mischief, possession of explosives for unlawful purpose, and dangerous weapons.”

Police said in a statement they would not release further details to protect the integrity of the investigation.

On LinkedIn, Sonne’s profile lists him as the owner/operator of Halvdan Solutions and he describes himself as a vulnerability research specialist. In his experience summary, Sonne writes, “I make order out of chaos.”

Sonne is also a member of several groups involved in security and information technology, including Hacklab, a nonprofit organization that runs classes and workshops, and helps people work together on technology projects.

A notice on Hacklab’s website refers to Sonne’s arrest.

“One of our members has been arrested on a number of charges related to the G20. Byron is innocent until proven guilty, and as a member of the lab and a friend we are concerned for him.”

Neighbours of Sonne told the National Post that police had been watching the house since Friday in unmarked vehicles.

Toronto Police made the arrest as part of their role in the RCMP-led Integrated Security Unit, which is tasked with providing the security for the G8/G20 Summits. The special unit includes members from the RCMP, the Canadian Forces, Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Peel Regional Police.