Three officers from the Peel Regional Police have been suspended while an investigation, led by the York Regional Police (YRP), continues. This investigation, known as Project South, has resulted in the arrests of seven active Toronto police officers, one retired officer, and 19 other individuals involved in a purported organized crime network.
According to Peel police, no charges have been brought against their officers concerning Project South as of yet. They stated that the "scope of the York Regional Police (YRP) investigation is wide-reaching and ongoing." In an effort to maintain the integrity of the investigation, Peel police declined to provide further comments on the matter.
Project South specifically delves into allegations of police corruption and organized crime, where officers allegedly accessed confidential information and passed it on to criminal elements who engaged in violent activities including shootings. The probe began in June 2025 when investigators uncovered a conspiracy to commit murder at a location in York Region.
YRP's operation has focused on dismantling a complex criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions. The charges faced by the seven arrested officers include accepting bribes, conspiracy to obstruct justice, breach of trust, drug trafficking, and theft under $5,000. YRP Chief Jim MacSween remarked on the investigation, labeling it a painful moment for the policing community, while also highlighting the "insidious" nature of organized crime.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the Toronto Police Service Board, along with Toronto Police Service (TPS) Chief Myron Demkiw, has requested an independent review of five critical areas of concern within the police service from the Inspector General of Policing. This request indicates a broader attempt to address potential systemic issues within the department.
Former Special Investigations Unit Director Ian Scott expressed concerns during an interview regarding the possibility of additional officers being involved beyond those already charged. He noted that while one officer was found to be working with the arrested individuals, it raises questions about whether they attempted to recruit other officers who did not speak up during the investigation. He emphasized the crucial duty of law enforcement personnel under the Community Safety and Policing Act to report any misconduct allegations.
Scott added that restoring public confidence in the police force will be essential following these events, suggesting that the corruption may have deeper roots than the seven officers currently facing charges.
In a related development, a Toronto police officer named Const. Timothy Barnhardt has been denied bail amid allegations of unlawfully accessing confidential information pertaining to an Ontario corrections officer. Barnhardt faced a total of 17 charges related to Project South during a court hearing held on Friday.
As the investigations continue, authorities are under increasing pressure to address public concerns regarding trust and accountability within law enforcement agencies. With the ongoing scrutiny and potential for more arrests, the situation highlights a significant concern over police integrity and the far-reaching implications of organized crime infiltrating law enforcement.
