What to know
- Seven Toronto police officers and one retired officer were arrested following a York Regional Police-led investigation into organized crime, corruption and a suspected murder plot.
- The probe, known as Project South, began in June 2025 after police uncovered a plot to murder a corrections management employee at an Ontario detention centre.
- Investigators allege some officers accepted bribes, shared confidential information with criminals and were involved in drug trafficking, obstruction of justice and breach of trust.
- TPS leadership says the accused officers have been suspended, stresses the allegations do not reflect the wider police service, and vows transparency to rebuild public trust.
Seven Toronto police officers and one retired officer have been arrested following an extensive investigation in organized crime and corruption.
During a news conference on Thursday, York Regional Police (YRP) and Toronto Police Services announced details of Project South.
YRP Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan said investigations started in June of 2025, after an investigation identified criminal activity in the GTA, including conspiracy to commit murder, extortion, shootings, drug trafficking, and robbery.
“This news is both shocking and completely unacceptable. Corruption has no place in policing. It’s never and will never be tolerated,” YRP Chief Jim MacSween added.
The investigation led police to uncover corruption and serious criminal allegations involving TPS officers, who are alleged to be involved in bribery, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, theft, breach of trust, and unauthorized distribution of confidential information.
Investigations triggered by murder plot
According to Hogan, investigations first started last summer after police uncovered a plot to murder a member of corrections management working at an Ontario detention centre.
Surveillance footage shared by police during the news conference revealed several individuals around the members’ home in York region, with three masked and armed individuals later returning to the scene and having a violent exchange with police, allegedly with the intention of murdering the individual.
Investigations revealed that several police officers allegedly accepted bribes, and sought unauthorized personal information, releasing them to criminals, which led to the shooting.
According to Hogan, TPS Constable Timothy Barnhardt allegedly released confidential information about the corrections manager to Brian Da Costa, who is alleged to have ties with an international drug operation.
Other officers, including Barnhardt and TPS Sergeant Robert Black are also accused of participating in drug trafficking.
Hogan says personal items, including passports, driver’s licenses, and health cards were also recovered during the investigation.
The accused officers have already been suspended, and four of them without pay. The arrested officers include:
- TPS Constable Timothy Barnhardt;
- TPS Sergeant Robert Black;
- Retired TPS Constable John Madeley;
- Madeley’s son who is a current TPS Constable, John Madeley Jr.;
- TPS Sergeant Carl Grellette;
- TPS Constable Saurabjit Bedi;
- TPS Constable Derek McCormick;
- TPS Constable Elias Mouawad.
In addition to the officers, other suspects were also arrested in connection with illegal drug trafficking. An illegal firearm, which police say has been imported from the U.S., was also recovered by police, after being found to be in possession of a repeat offender.
‘The allegations do not represent the TPS’: TPS Chief
During the conference, YRP Chief Jim MacSween also spoke about the impacts and “corrosive nature” of organized crime, making remarks against corruption in police.
MacSween said while the news is “deeply disappointing,” police are committed to carrying out investigations with transparency and commitment to holding those involved accountable.
“Every time we put on this uniform we renew our commitment to each and every one of you. Not just to keep you safe, but to stand up to what’s right,” he said.
“While we worked collectively to right these wrongs, please know we are committed to transparency, because it’s the only way to rebuild trust.”
MacSween also thanked hundreds of TPS officers and TPS Chief Myron Demkiw for their commitment and essential role in the investigation.
Echoing MacSween’ words, Demkiw said his top priority since hearing about this investigation was to preserve Torontonians’ trust in police.
“This is a painful and unsettling moment. It needs to be addressed openly, and it needs to be addressed honestly. The allegations…are deeply disappointing. I understand this news will be distressing to Torontonians and our police service members,” he said.
“No corner of society is immune to the reach of organized crime, but when organized crime penetrates the TPS, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing…Corruption has no place in policing.”
Demkiw also said that police will follow “all necessary disciplinary processes” and do what they can to support the investigation and court processes, and reinforced that the allegations against the accused officers don’t represent other members of the police force.
“The allegations against these individuals do not represent the TPS. They do not represent who you are. They do not represent what our organization is and stands for,” he said.
“We will not let the actions of few define the reputation of many…Our priority remains the safety of our communities.”
A court date for the arrested individuals has not yet been announced.
