Toronto Police: Officers Arrested in Organized Crime Probe

Toronto Police Rocked by Organized Crime and Corruption Allegations

Toronto is reeling from revelations of alleged organized crime and corruption within its police service, with at least eight current and former officers facing charges. The sweeping investigation, led by York Regional Police’s Project South, alleges officers provided confidential information used to facilitate shootings, robberies and even a murder plot.

The allegations, described as “deeply disappointing” by Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, center around officers allegedly accepting bribes, aiding drug traffickers, and providing protection to illegal operations, including cannabis dispensaries. “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 stated.

The investigation began in June 2025, following an attempt to murder a corrections officer in York Region. According to York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan, suspects allegedly targeted the officer at his home, ramming a police cruiser in the driveway. Hogan stated that officers unlawfully accessed and shared private information with organized crime figures, “which ultimately resulted in serious harm in our communities.”

Among those charged are a father and son, both constables, accused of leaking information to criminals. The accused officers include Timothy Barnhardt, a 56-year-old constable facing 17 charges related to cocaine trafficking, bribery, and weapons offenses; Robert Black, a 42-year-old sergeant facing charges including conspiring to obstruct justice and drug trafficking; and John Madeley Sr., a 55-year-old retired constable charged with breach of trust and possession of prohibited firearms.

Also charged are John Madeley Jr., 29, a constable and the son of John Madeley Sr., facing charges of breach of trust and unauthorized computer use; Carl Grellette, a 49-year-old sergeant facing charges including breach of trust and harassment; and Saurabjit Bedi, a 38-year-old constable facing conspiracy and substance trafficking charges.

The investigation also uncovered alleged involvement in drug trafficking, with one suspect, Brian Da Costa, linked to a “sophisticated” operation. Police seized 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl allegedly destined for Europe when Da Costa was arrested on January 23rd. Officers are also accused of stealing personal property, including driver’s licenses, passports, and health cards, from a police facility.

Four of the charged officers have been suspended without pay. Chief Demkiw emphasized the unprecedented nature of the case in his time leading the Toronto police, referencing a 2012 incident where five officers were convicted of obstructing justice after falsifying notes related to a warrantless search.

“Our top responsibility is to undertake the hard work of honest examination, to look critically at how this occurred, to identify the weaknesses and to address them in a way that upholds the trust placed in the Toronto police,” Demkiw said. He stressed that the allegations do not reflect the dedication of the over 8,000 members of the Toronto Police Service.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween described the situation as “a deeply disappointing and sad day for policing,” noting that over 400 officers from York, Toronto, and the Ontario Provincial Police were involved in the seven-month Project South investigation. Police are now reviewing past cases handled by the accused officers to determine if their actions impacted the outcomes of investigations.

The Toronto Police Association stated it will ensure its members receive due process and wellness support, but declined to comment further on the investigation. A news conference detailing the investigation’s findings was held Thursday morning at York Regional Police headquarters in Aurora, led by York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween and Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw.