Seven Toronto police officers and one retired officer have been arrested and charged in an organized crime investigation involving bribery, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking, authorities announced Thursday. Police officials stated the officers had unlawfully collected personal and private information and distributed it to mobsters for bribes. Mobsters then carried out shootings and other violent crimes.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said, “When organized crime penetrates the Toronto Police Service, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing.” The investigation began in June when police uncovered a murder plot involving a corrections management employee who was targeted by mobsters. Officers intercepted suspected perpetrators attempting to carry out the hit but encountered another contingent of officers protecting the target.
Chief Ryan Hogan, of York Regional Police, added that suspects had previously gone to the home where the employee lived for the purpose of committing the hit and were confronted by police. This incident prompted the investigation revealing Toronto police constable Timothy Barnhardt was involved in sharing confidential information with Brian Da Costa, a suspected drug trafficker and briber.
Barnhardt is accused of accepting bribes to protect illegal cannabis dispensaries and being involved in cocaine trafficking. Other officers like Derek McCormick, Elias Mouawad, John Madeley Jr., and his father (retired constable John Madeley Sr.), are also charged in the investigation. Last month, the Toronto Police Service announced charges against Madeley Sr. in an extortion case related to illegal gaming and betting tied to organized crime.
Officers McCormick and Robert Black were accused of stealing government-issued identification, passports, and bank cards used by police as evidence. They were arrested last month. Three other officers—Saurabjit Bedi and Carl Grellette—are alleged to have participated in bribery schemes orchestrated by Da Costa, receiving bribes to provide protection from law enforcement investigation.
Additional suspects, including two juveniles, were also apprehended during the investigation. Toronto Police Service Chief Demkiw requested suspension without pay for at least four officers suspected of wrongdoing. York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween stated that “it’s a deeply disappointing and sad day” for police forces as this underscores organized crime’s corrosive impact on even well-protected institutions.
Police Association President Clayton Campbell expressed concern over the allegations, noting that legal support for charged members is not guaranteed and is determined case-by-case. The Toronto Police Service Board has requested an investigation into issues such as supervision, recruitment screening, access to databases, among others. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized residents’ right to trust their everyday police officers.