York Regional Police say they have charged seven Toronto police officers and one retired Toronto police officer over a probe into organized crime and corruption that led to shootings and drug activity.
The police force just north of Toronto made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday.
“Investigators allege that Toronto police officers had unlawfully accessed personal information. This information was then funnelled to other criminals who carried out shootings and other violent offences,” Chief Jim MacSween said.
“This news is both shocking and completely unacceptable. Corruption has no place in policing. It’s never and will never be tolerated.”
Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan detailed the lengthy and complex investigation, called Project South, which began in June 2025 when investigators allege a conspiracy unfolded to murder a man who was working at an Ontario correctional institution.
Hogan said over a 36-hour period, several suspects went to the man’s home in York Region, at least three times, “we allege for the purpose of murdering him.” He said video surveillance shows masked and armed suspects went to the home, and at one point, rammed a police cruiser that was in the driveway.
He said the investigation uncovered serious allegations of criminal corruption among the charged Toronto police officers.
“It is alleged that these officers have demonstrated varying degrees of criminality and associations to criminal networks,” Hogan said.
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“The allegations of criminal corruption include bribery, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, theft of personal property, breach of trust and the unauthorized access and distribution of confidential information.”
Hogan said the suspects were arrested at the scene and it was later alleged that Toronto police Const. Timothy Barnhardt had unlawfully accessed confidential information about the victim.
He allegedly and then leaked it to Brian DaCosta — reportedly a key figure in a criminal network operating within the Greater Toronto Area and with international ties.
Hogan also alleges that information was then released into other criminal networks to cause harm against the correctional member.
He said investigators identified several criminal acts that allegedly occurred after the release of confidential information “almost in real time.”
“This includes extortion, commercial robberies and seven shootings right here in York Region,” Hogan said.
He also alleges Const. Elias Mouawad had also released confidential information to two other suspects “in support of illicit activity.”
As well, investigators allege Const. John Madeley (Jr.) and his father, retired Const. John Madeley (Sr.), both accessed and distributed confidential information.
“We allege that Mr. DaCosta was involved in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation,” Hogan said.
“We believe he was responsible for the exportation of cannabis and fentanyl. In with the network more broadly, as we continue to investigate, the importation of cocaine and the local wholesale trafficking of cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine.”
Four Toronto police officers — Barnhardt, Sgt. Robert Black, Const. Saurabjit Bedi and Sgt. Carl Grellette — are alleged to have accepted bribes to provide protection from a law enforcement investigation in the operation of illegal cannabis dispensaries orchestrated by DaCosta, Hogan said.
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Meanwhile, Hogan said Const. Derek McCormick was arrested for his participation in the theft of personal property from a police facility. The personal property allegedly included driver’s licences, health cards and passports. A “substantial amount” of it was recovered, he added.
Hogan called Project South one of the “most complex and challenging investigations” in his 28-year policing career.
He said more than 400 officers played a part in the investigation.
According to a long list of charges, the officers face a series of charges. Some include accepting a bribe, breach of trust by a public officer, conspiracy to obstruct justice, drug trafficking and possession-related charges.
Outside of the officers charged, 19 suspects have also been arrested and charged in connection the investigation, including two youths whose ages were not provided.
Toronto police chief slams his officers charged
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw was also at the press conference on Thursday, and called the investigation “painful and unsettling.”
Demkiw said the moment he became aware of the investigation, he co-operated fully with York Regional Police and other agencies.
“First, those charged today: you will answer for your actions in a court of law,” Demkiw said.
He said the seven members who have been arrested and charged have been suspended, and “where appropriate,” he is seeking that they be suspended without pay.
“These arrests are a necessary step in ensuring that those who face allegations that bring disrepute are held to account. We will not let the actions of a few define the reputation of the many,” he said.
“Organized crime is corrosive, and that had infected our service. This is unacceptable, but these allegations are not representative of over 8,000 members.”
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