Eight Toronto Police Officers Arrested in Mob-Linked Murder Plot and Drug Trafficking

York Region investigators announced that seven active Toronto Police Service officers and one retired member were arrested and charged after a months-long probe known as Project South uncovered alleged corruption, drug trafficking and a plot to kill a corrections manager.

York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan presented surveillance footage at a press conference on Feb. 5, 2026 that investigators say triggered the probe. The footage shows three masked men, one armed with a handgun, arriving at the corrections manager’s home and ramming a police vehicle parked in the driveway. Hogan said the June 2025 incident led investigators to uncover what he described as “serious allegations of criminal corruption among police officers” and identified Brian Da Costa as “a key figure in a criminal network operating within the Greater Toronto Area, with in fact significant international ties.”

The officers named in charging documents include Const. Timothy Barnhardt, Derek McCormick, Elias Mouawad, John Madeley Jr., Robert Black, Saurabjit Bedi and Carl Grellette. Retired Const. John Madeley Sr. was also arrested. Investigators allege Barnhardt gave personal information to Brian Da Costa, and authorities say some officers collected and unlawfully distributed confidential personal information to organized-crime figures, in some cases in exchange for bribes. Authorities also allege some officers were involved in trafficking fentanyl and cannabis, and that leaked information was used to facilitate shootings and other violent crimes.

Charges reported across the investigation include bribery, breach of trust, unauthorized access to and distribution of confidential information, drug trafficking, theft of personal property, obstruction of justice, extortion, robbery, firearms offences and conspiracy to commit murder. York Regional Police described the probe as addressing an array of offences that pose “a grave risk to our community safety,” and said more than 400 officers from York, Toronto and the Ontario Provincial Police participated in the multi-jurisdictional investigation.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the arrests mark “a painful and unsettling moment” and warned of the broader damage when corruption reaches police ranks: “When organized penetrates the Toronto Police Service the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing.” York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween called the development “a deeply disappointing and sad day for policing” and added that it “shows the insidious and corrosive nature of organised crime.” Chief Demkiw confirmed the seven active officers are suspended and said he would seek suspensions without pay “where appropriate.” CBC reporting notes the accused officers range in age from 24 to 57, including veteran officers.

Counts of the total number of suspects arrested vary in public reports. One report said the arrests were made among 27 suspects; another said seven civilians were arrested in addition to the officers, with three accused of plotting the murder and four charged with alleged links to international organized crime. Authorities say charges have been laid and court proceedings will follow.

For readers tracking accountability and public safety, the case underlines the importance of transparent disclosures from York Regional Police and the Toronto Police Service. Expect forthcoming charge sheets, court dates and official releases to clarify exact counts, individual charges and evidence that prosecutors will rely on as this investigation moves into the courtroom.