Major Police Corruption Probe Leads to Arrests of Eight Officers in Toronto
In a significant development that has shaken public trust, at least eight current and former Toronto police officers have been arrested following an extensive investigation into the infiltration of organised crime within Canada's largest municipal police service. The inquiry, known as Project South, has unveiled a disturbing pattern of alleged criminal activities, including bribery, aiding drug traffickers, leaking sensitive information to criminals, and involvement in a plot to murder a corrections officer.
"Deeply Disappointing" Allegations Unveiled
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw described the allegations as "deeply disappointing," emphasising the severe implications of organised crime penetrating law enforcement. "No corner of society is immune from the reach of organised crime, but when organised crime penetrates the Toronto police service, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing," Demkiw stated. He assured the public that those charged would face justice in court, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the case in his tenure.
The investigation involved over 400 officers from multiple forces, including York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police, underscoring the collaborative effort to address this corruption. York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween echoed the sentiment, calling it a "deeply disappointing and sad day for policing."
Details of the Criminal Activities
Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan of York Region revealed that the probe began in June 2025 after an attempted murder of a corrections officer at a Toronto jail. Surveillance footage showed three armed, masked men targeting the officer's home, even ramming a police cruiser in the driveway. Hogan alleged that police officers unlawfully collected and shared personal information with organised crime members, leading to serious community harm, including shootings.
Among the accused are a father and son duo, both charged with leaking information to criminals. The investigation also led to charges against seven civilians, including three involved in the murder plot and four with suspected ties to international organised crime. One individual, Brian Da Costa, was linked to a sophisticated drug-trafficking operation, with police seizing 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl during his arrest in January.
Broader Implications and Industry Links
Police acknowledged that the inquiry, resulting in at least 30 arrests, also touched on the tow-truck industry, which has been plagued by gun violence, turf wars, and organised crime connections in Toronto. This highlights the pervasive nature of criminal networks affecting various sectors.
Hogan noted that officers allegedly provided "protection" to suspects in fentanyl and cannabis trafficking and stole personal property, such as driver's licences and passports, from police facilities. He described this as one of the most complex investigations in his nearly 30-year career, with plans to review cases handled by the accused officers to assess potential interference.
Accountability and Rebuilding Trust
Chief Demkiw stressed the importance of honest examination to identify weaknesses and restore public trust. "Organised crime is corrosive, that it infected our service is unacceptable, but these allegations are not representative of over 8,000 members," he said, referring to the broader police force. Four of the charged officers have been suspended without pay, and the police union has pledged to ensure due process and wellness support for those involved.
This case follows a 2012 incident where five Toronto drug squad officers were convicted of obstructing justice, indicating ongoing challenges in policing integrity. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities are committed to addressing systemic issues to prevent future corruption.
