Ongoing Investigation Leads to Suspensions Across Multiple Forces Amid Allegations of Organized Crime Links
TORONTO — The fallout from a major corruption and organized crime investigation into policing in the Greater Toronto Area has continued to expand, with additional officers suspended while authorities pursue accountability and transparency.
The probe — known as Project South — has already resulted in criminal charges against multiple Toronto police officers and a retired member, following a multi-month inquiry by York Regional Police that uncovered alleged unlawful database access, bribery, and other criminal activity.
In the latest development, five more police officers have been suspended amid the widening investigation, which now spans multiple policing agencies in the region. Some of these suspensions are linked to the original Project South inquiry, while others are part of broader related internal reviews.
The original crackdown began when York Regional Police investigators uncovered a scheme in which confidential police information was allegedly accessed without authorization and shared with individuals tied to criminal networks. The information was reportedly used to facilitate violent crimes, including shootings and a foiled murder plot targeting a corrections worker.
Seven active Toronto Police Service officers and one retired officer have already been formally charged with multiple alleged offenses, including breach of trust, bribery, drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
In response to growing concerns, Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing has announced a provincewide inspection of police integrity and anti-corruption practices, examining vetting processes, oversight procedures and information systems across all Ontario police services. The move aims to strengthen standards and restore public confidence.
Police leaders have condemned the allegations and emphasized cooperation with the broader review. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has said that efforts will be made to suspend officers without pay where possible and to support external scrutiny of internal practices.
At the same time, some police unions have expressed concern about the scope of province-wide reviews, arguing that isolated cases should not reflect on the wider policing community.
The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, as authorities work to determine the full scale of alleged misconduct and implement measures to prevent future breaches of trust.