Canada: Eight Toronto police officers charged in major corruption probe

The investigation, dubbed Project South, began in June 2025 after police disrupted a conspiracy to commit murder at a York Region residence, York Regional Police said in a news release.

Investigators allege the accused unlawfully accessed police databases, leaked confidential information to criminal groups, accepted bribes and trafficked drugs, activities tied to seven shootings, extortion, robberies and the protection of illegal cannabis dispensaries across the Greater Toronto Area, according to police statements cited by CTV News.

More than 300 officers were involved in the probe, which resulted in over 170 charges, the seizure of more than $600,000 in cash and four illegal firearms, York Regional Police said at a news conference in Aurora, north of Toronto.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween and Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan detailed the findings at the briefing.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, who also attended, called the allegations “painful and unsettling,” saying they “shake the foundation of trust” in policing, according to CTV News.

Speaking directly to the accused officers, he added that organized crime infiltration into the service is "intolerable" and vowed they would be held accountable in court.

Demkiw said the case is the most serious corruption matter in his 35-year career and confirmed he has requested an independent review.

In later comments, Demkiw said he had gone "from disappointed to angry and any number of other feelings you might imagine" upon learning of the allegations, according to a CTV News article.

Among those charged is Const. Timothy Barnhardt, 56, who faces 17 charges including breach of trust, conspiracy to obstruct justice, unauthorized computer access and drug trafficking involving substances such as Oxycodone, Xanax and MDMA, according to The Globe and Mail.

Police allege Barnhardt accessed police databases to provide a correctional officer’s address to criminals ahead of the June murder plot, CTV News reported.

Const. Derek McCormick, 57, faces six charges including breach of trust and obstruction of justice, while Sgt. Robert Black, 42, is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and possession of drugs for the purpose of distribution, The Globe and Mail reported.

A retired officer, John Madeley Sr., and his son, John Madeley Jr., were also charged with breach of trust and unauthorized access offences, according to CTV News and The New York Times.

Toronto Police said four officers have been suspended without pay.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called for “systemic changes” to restore public confidence in policing, CityNews reported.

The Toronto Police Association said it was disgusted by corrupt conduct and would address the matter on a case-by-case basis.

Peel Regional Police said Friday that three of its officers have been administratively suspended pending further investigation, though none have been charged.

Police said none of the allegations have been proven in court and the investigation remains ongoing.