Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw stood alongside York regional police chief Jim MacSween and deputy chief Ryan Hogan during a news conference addressing the investigation. AP
A major police investigation has led to the arrest of at least eight current and former members of the Toronto Police Service. Authorities say the case uncovered the deep and troubling influence of organized crime within Canada’s largest local police force.
Investigators allege that some officers accepted bribes, shared confidential information with criminals, helped drug traffickers, and assisted in a plot to kill a corrections officer. Officials described the allegations as serious and damaging to public trust.
Police chief calls allegations deeply troubling
Chief Myron Demkiw addressed the arrests during a public briefing, calling the situation “deeply disappointing.”
“No corner of society is immune from the reach of organized crime, but when organized crime penetrates the Toronto police service, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing,” Demkiw said. “To those charged today, you will answer for your actions in a court of law.”
He stressed that the accusations do not reflect the conduct of the thousands of officers who serve the city every day.
Probe began after murder attempt
The investigation, known as Project South, began in June 2025 after an attempt to kill a corrections officer working at a Toronto jail. York Regional Police led the inquiry with help from other forces.
York police chief Jim MacSween called the day “deeply disappointing and sad for policing.” More than 400 officers from multiple services took part in the investigation.
Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan said suspects visited the officer’s home over a 36-hour period, allegedly intending to carry out the killing. Police shared surveillance footage showing masked men with weapons arriving at the home and striking a marked police cruiser in the driveway.
Leaked information and drug trafficking
Hogan said some officers illegally gathered private information and passed it to organized crime groups, actions that “ultimately resulted in serious harm in our communities.” Investigators described the case as one of the most complex of Hogan’s nearly 30-year career.
Among those charged are a father and son who both worked as police officers. Authorities allege they leaked information to criminals.
Seven civilians also face charges, including three tied to the murder plot. Four other men allegedly linked to international crime networks were arrested.
One suspect, Brian Da Costa, allegedly played a key role in a large drug operation. Police said officers seized 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl during his arrest earlier this year.
Wider impact and next steps
Investigators also linked the case to the tow-truck industry, which has faced growing violence and crime in recent years. Police said some officers offered protection to traffickers and stole personal documents such as passports and health cards from police facilities.
Four officers now face suspension without pay. Police plan to review past cases involving the accused to check for interference or misconduct.
Police leaders said the case marks an unprecedented moment for the service and promised a full review to restore trust.
