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7 Toronto Officers and a Retired Constable Charged in York-Led Organized-Crime Probe

Investigators allege confidential police data was sold to a criminal network, prompting a request for an independent inspection to address systemic vulnerabilities.

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A Toronto Police Service logo in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
The Toronto Police Services emblem is photographed during a press conference at TPS headquarters, in Toronto on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw, left, is joined by York regional police chief Jim MacSween, centre, and YRP Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan at a press conference to announce the results of ‘Project South,’ a lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption at York regional police headquarters in Aurora, Ont. on Feb. 5, 2026.

Overview

  • York Regional Police charged seven active Toronto officers and one retired officer with offences including bribery, obstruction, extortion, drug trafficking, theft and conspiracy to commit murder.
  • In total, 27 people were charged, with 19 civilians alleged to have sought or used leaked information; police identified Brian Da Costa as a key figure tied to bribery schemes and cocaine trafficking.
  • Police say unlawful database queries and leaked addresses were used to facilitate shootings, extortions and robberies, and the probe began after an alleged 2025 plot to kill a corrections manager in York Region.
  • Those charged include Const. Timothy Barnhardt, Sgt. Robert Black, retired Const. John Madeley Sr., Const. John Madeley Jr., Sgt. Carl Grellette, Sgt. Saurabjit Bedi, Const. Derek McCormick and Const. Elias Mouawad.
  • Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw suspended the accused, is seeking suspension without pay where permitted, requested an inspection by the provincial inspector general, and officials reported at least one officer remains in custody with a bail hearing set for Friday as civic leaders debate broader oversight.