At least seven Toronto police officers, and one retired officer have been identified as part of an intensive, seven month investigation into organized crime and police corruption in the GTA known as Operation South.

York Regional Police conducted the investigation and provided an update this morning.

The officers accused have been suspended without pay and are facing charges of criminal corruption after allegedly leaking personal information to organized crime – leading to a number of shootings.

York Regional Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan says the investigation began in June of 2025 when, over a 36-hour period, three attempts were made to murder a member of corrections management in the Toronto area.

“As investigators piece together the events leading up to this crime, it was determined that a Toronto Police officer, Constable Timothy Barnhardt had unlawfully accessed confidential information about the victim. We allege that this officer then released the information to a Mr. Brian Da Costa, and from there it was released further into other criminal networks. We allege that Mr. Da Costa is a key figure in the criminal network operating within the greater Toronto area, with in fact, significant international ties.”

Three other suspects have been identified in that particular case, including Median Jackson, Kaejean Doman, and Devonte Barker-Campbell.

The allegations of criminal corruption against members of the Toronto Police Force including bribery, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, theft of personal property, breach of trust and the unauthorized access and distribution of confidential information.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween called the information revealed today “troubling” and offered the public assurance that the investigation is ongoing and that corruption will be weeded out and prosecuted.

“While this is a deeply disappointing and sad day for policing, this investigation also underscores the insidious, corrosive nature of organized crime” MacSween told a news conference this morning.

The Toronto Police Service officers (and one retired officer) charged to-date include:

• Constable Timothy Barnhardt
• Sergeant Robert Black
• Constable John Madeley (Sr.) (retired)
• Constable John Madeley (Jr.)
• Sergeant Carl Grellette
• Constable Saurabjit Bedi
• Constable Derek McCormick
• Constable Elias Mouawad