A large-scale investigation led by the York Regional Police has resulted in the arrest of eight current or former members of the Toronto Police Service, in what authorities describe as a significant case of police corruption linked to organized crime.
The investigation, known as Project South, was publicly revealed Thursday morning during a joint press conference with Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw. Several civilians are also facing criminal charges in connection with the case.
An Investigation Launched in June 2025
According to Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan, the investigation officially began on June 25, 2025, following credible intelligence suggesting the involvement of active-duty police officers in serious criminal activity. The probe spanned more than seven months and uncovered alleged connections between certain officers and structured criminal organizations operating across the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say the investigation disrupted criminal operations posing a significant risk to public safety, including violent crime, drug trafficking, and firearms-related offences.
Abuse of Police Authority Alleged
Investigators allege that the accused officers abused their positions to facilitate criminal activity. The allegations include:
- Unauthorized access to police databases
- The illegal sharing of confidential and personal information with criminal networks
- Actions that may have contributed to violent incidents, including shootings
- Authorities state that unlawfully obtained police intelligence was allegedly passed on to members of organized crime, causing serious harm in multiple communities.
Drugs, Firearms and Corruption
Police allege that some of the officers were directly involved in:
- Drug trafficking, including fentanyl, cannabis, and other controlled substances
- Firearms trafficking and the facilitation of illegal weapons circulation
- Corruption-related offences, including breach of trust, obstruction of justice, and accepting bribes
Deputy Chief Hogan stated that the misuse of privileged police information played a central role in strengthening criminal networks.
Firearm Linked to Multiple Shootings
During the press conference, investigators confirmed that a firearm originating from the United States was seized as part of the investigation. Authorities say the weapon has been linked to at least seven separate shootings in the Toronto area.
Alleged Murder Plot Uncovered
Police also revealed that the investigation gained momentum after uncovering an alleged plot to assassinate a senior Ontario correctional services manager. Investigators say that over a 36-hour period, multiple suspects were observed attending the victim’s residence with the apparent intent to carry out the killing.
Surveillance footage showing masked, armed individuals was presented during the press conference.
Officers Publicly Identified
Authorities have publicly identified the Toronto police members arrested in connection with Project South:
- Timothy Barnhardt, Toronto Police officer
- Robert Black, Sergeant
- John Madeley Sr., retired officer
- John Madeley Jr., officer
- Carl Grellette, Sergeant
- Saurabjit Bedi, officer
- Derek McCormick, officer
- Elias Mouawad, officer
Message from Police Leadership
Police leadership emphasized that the actions alleged in this case do not reflect the conduct of the broader police service. Officials stressed that abuses of authority will not be tolerated and that accountability remains a priority.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have indicated that additional charges may be laid as court proceedings continue.
In Brief
The charges and allegations against the accused officers include, but may not be limited to: Corruption, Breach of trust, Obstruction of justice, Accepting bribes, Drug trafficking, Illegal access to police databases, Unauthorized disclosure of confidential and personal information, Firearms-related offences, including trafficking or facilitation, Distribution of information that may have enabled violent crimes or shootings, Involvement in organized criminal activity
