Eight Toronto Police Officers Arrested in Major Organized Crime and Corruption Probe

At least eight current and former Toronto police officers have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into organized crime, corruption, and violent conspiracies in the Greater Toronto Area, authorities confirmed Thursday morning.

York Regional Police announced the results of Project South during a joint news conference alongside Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw.

Sources told CP24 that several of the officers charged were assigned to 11 and 12 Divisions in Toronto’s west end, with at least one officer connected to the Guns and Gangs Unit.

 

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Officers Identified as Suspects

Police identified the following Toronto Police Service members as suspects during the briefing:

• Timothy Barnhardt – Toronto Police Service constable

• Robert Black – Toronto Police Service sergeant

• John Madeley Sr. – Toronto Police Service constable (retired)

• John Madeley Jr. – Toronto Police Service constable

• Carl Grellette – Toronto Police Service sergeant

• Saurabjit Bedi – Toronto Police Service constable

• Derek McCormick – Toronto Police Service constable

• Elias Mouawad – Toronto Police Service constable

Police also named several civilian suspects, who face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, and disguise with intent.

Alleged Plot to Murder Corrections Officer

Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan revealed that the investigation began in June 2025, after authorities uncovered an alleged conspiracy to murder a member of Ontario corrections management.

According to police, over a 36-hour period, multiple suspects allegedly attended the corrections officer’s home in York Region with the intent to kill him.

Investigators later shared surveillance footage showing three masked men armed with a loaded handgun returning to the residence and ramming a police cruiser parked in the driveway.

Accusations of Police Corruption

Authorities allege the officers were involved in wide-ranging criminal corruption, including:

• Bribery

• Obstruction of justice

• Drug trafficking

• Theft of personal property

• Breach of trust

• Unauthorized access, use, and distribution of confidential police information

Chief Jim MacSween said investigators believe police officers unlawfully accessed personal information and passed it to organized crime figures, which allegedly led to shootings and other violent crimes across the GTA.

“This information was funnelled to other criminals who carried out shootings and other violent offences,” MacSween stated.

“A Grave Risk to Community Safety”

Hogan described Project South as a seven-month investigation that disrupted criminal activity posing a “grave risk to our community safety.”

The alleged offences tied to the investigation include shootings, extortion, robbery, firearms trafficking, and drug-related crimes, alongside the corruption allegations involving seven active-duty Toronto officers and one retired member.

Officers Suspended, Union Responds

Sources confirmed that four of the charged officers have been suspended without pay.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Toronto Police Association acknowledged the arrests:

“As a professional labour organization, we will ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required. We have no further comment regarding this investigation or the members involved.”

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not ruled out additional arrests or charges, and further details are expected as court proceedings unfold. Both Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police say the investigation remains active.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.