Seven Toronto police officers among 27 suspects charged in Project South
York Regional Police investigators have arrested and charged seven Toronto Police Service (TPS) officers, one retired Toronto Police Service officer, and 19 additional suspects in a seven-month investigation into organized crime and corruption.
The investigation, dubbed ‘Project South,’ began in June 2025, after police uncovered and stopped a conspiracy to commit murder at a home in York Region.
On June 20, a suspect vehicle approached the residence and collided with a marked York Regional Police cruiser stationed at the home.
Investigators allege that, prior to this incident, a TPS constable unlawfully accessed a police database and ran a query that produced confidential information.
Through further investigation, police found evidence of numerous unlawful queries alleged to be conducted by that same constable and other officers within the Toronto Police Service. In multiple cases, investigators determined the addresses returned by the unlawful queries were later the location of criminal incidents, including an extortion, commercial robberies and shootings. Investigators allege that the confidential information gleaned from the queries was shared with others, who police believe are known to various criminal networks.
Investigators working on Project South also arrested numerous suspects who face charges for the commercial drug trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine, illicit cannabis, fentanyl, heroin and oxycodone.
“This investigation also underscores the insidious, corrosive nature of organized crime, and highlights how these criminals find a way to infiltrate even the most well-protected institutions across our society,” YRP Chief Jim MacSween said. “We will not rest until we are sure corrupt, criminal actors and anyone abusing their power as a police officer is held accountable.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously. More information and the list of suspects are available at yrp.ca.