Toronto Police Officers Face Serious Charges in Organized Crime Investigation
In a shocking development that has rocked law enforcement in Canada, the York Regional Police in Ontario have announced a major operation targeting organized crime networks in Toronto. The investigation has resulted in criminal charges against seven current police officers and one retired officer, revealing disturbing connections between law enforcement personnel and criminal organizations.
Charges Include Conspiracy to Murder Corrections Officer
The officers have been charged with criminal conspiracy in connection with a plot to murder an Ontario corrections officer. According to police authorities, these officers allegedly collected and distributed personal and private information to gang leaders, enabling criminal activities to occur in real time. The investigation uncovered that police insiders were actively assisting criminal operations by leaking confidential data.
List of Officers Involved in the Scandal
The following Toronto Police Service members have been identified in connection with the organized crime investigation:
- Timothy Barnhardt - Toronto Police Service constable
- Robert Black - Toronto Police Service sergeant
- John Madeley (Sr.) - Toronto Police Service constable (retired)
- John Madeley (Jr.) - Toronto Police Service constable
- Carl Grellette - Toronto Police Service sergeant
- Saurabjit Bedi - Toronto Police Service constable
- Derek McCormick - Toronto Police Service constable
- Elias Mouawad - Toronto Police Service constable
Project South Investigation Uncovers Criminal Network
The investigation, dubbed Project South, began in June 2025 when authorities uncovered a conspiracy to murder a corrections management official working at an Ontario Correctional Institute. On that particular day, multiple suspects traveled to the target's home in York Region with the intention of carrying out the murder.
This 2025 incident proved to be just the tip of the iceberg, leading investigators to discover a complex criminal network involved in multiple serious offenses. The investigation revealed connections to drug trafficking operations, including the January 2023 arrest of suspected drug trafficker Brian Da Costa, during which officers seized 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl believed to be destined for European markets.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
In addition to the police officers, several civilian suspects were identified by police on Thursday. The charges in this case are extensive and serious, including:
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offense
- Extortion and robbery
- Drug trafficking offenses
- Firearms-related crimes
Police Leadership Expresses Shock and Disappointment
Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan of the York Regional Police stated that after these officers leaked personal information, crimes took place in real time, demonstrating the immediate danger posed by such corruption. Hogan described it as "a deeply disturbing day for policing" as organized crime had found its way inside the police agency.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween expressed strong condemnation, stating: "This news is both shocking and completely unacceptable. Corruption has no place in policing. It's never and will never be tolerated." The police leadership emphasized their commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The case represents one of the most significant police corruption scandals in recent Canadian history, highlighting the challenges law enforcement agencies face in maintaining integrity while combating organized crime networks that seek to infiltrate their ranks.
