Police allege unlawful database access, bribery and drug trafficking tied to organized crime network and violence

AURORA, ON — York Regional Police (YRP) say a seven-month organized crime and corruption investigation has resulted in charges against seven Toronto Police Service (TPS) officers, one retired TPS officer, and 19 other suspects—27 people in total.

How the investigation began

According to YRP, “Project South” began in June 2025 after investigators disrupted what police describe as a conspiracy to commit murder at a York Region residence. On June 20, a suspect vehicle attended the home and collided with a marked YRP cruiser stationed there; three suspects were arrested, including two youths (not named) and an adult, Almar Heath.

YRP allege that, prior to that incident, TPS Const. Timothy Barnhardt unlawfully accessed a police database and that subsequent investigation uncovered numerous alleged unlawful queries by Barnhardt and others—addresses later linked to incidents including extortion, robberies and shootings, police said.

The Toronto Police members charged

YRP’s charge list identifies the following TPS members (charges are allegations and have not been proven in court):

• Const. Timothy Barnhardt (56, Mississauga) — includes peace officer bribery, breach of trust, unauthorized use of computer, multiple drug trafficking counts, and other offences.

• Sgt. Robert Black (42, Vaughan) — includes conspiracy to obstruct justice and possession for the purpose of trafficking (including cocaine).

• Const. John Madeley Sr. (55, Barrie) – retired — includes breach of trust and multiple unauthorized use of computer counts, plus firearms-related allegations.

• Const. John Madeley Jr. (29, Barrie) — includes breach of trust and unauthorized use of computer.

• Sgt. Carl Grellette (49, Vaughan) — includes conspiracy to obstruct justice and breach of trust, plus other allegations.

• Const. Saurabjit Bedi (38, Caledon) — includes peace officer conspiracy to accept a bribe, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and drug trafficking allegations.

• Const. Derek McCormick (57, Toronto) — includes theft under $5,000 (x4), breach of trust, and obstruction of justice.

• Const. Elias Mouawad (24, Mississauga) — includes breach of trust and unauthorized use of computer.

Allegations: database access, a bribery scheme, and drugs

Police allege confidential information obtained through unlawful database access was shared with Brian Da Costa, Elwyn Satanowsky and others tied to criminal networks.

YRP also allege investigators uncovered a plan—led by Da Costa—where TPS officers would allegedly accept bribes to obstruct enforcement against illegal cannabis dispensaries.

YRP say a suspect arrested at a Vaughan shooting scene—Kaejean Doman—was allegedly in possession of a firearm believed to have been illegally imported into Canada, and forensic examination later connected that gun to at least eight shootings across southern Ontario.

How Toronto Police say they will restore public confidence

TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said the Service’s priority throughout the probe was to respond in a way that preserves public trust, including supporting YRP and following the evidence “wherever it leads,” adding: “We have left no stone unturned.”

CityNews also reported that:

• four officers were suspended without pay, and

• the matter was handed to York Regional Police “under new rules” to ensure an unbiased external investigation, according to a source.

At the press conference, Demkiw told reporters the allegations “do not represent the Toronto Police Service,” and argued that pursuing charges against members is part of maintaining trust.

What the charges mean

Several of the allegations fall into a few key legal categories:

• Breach of trust by a public officer: alleged misuse of an official position connected to public duties; it is an indictable offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

• Bribery involving a peace officer: Criminal Code provisions for officers who allegedly corruptly accept (or agree to accept) a benefit; the offence carries a maximum of 14 years imprisonment.

• Unauthorized use of a computer: commonly used in cases alleging improper access to computer systems or services “without colour of right,” punishable by up to 10 years (if prosecuted by indictment).

• Drug trafficking / possession for the purpose of trafficking: governed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; trafficking in Schedule I or II substances can carry penalties up to life imprisonment, depending on the substance and prosecution.

Why this matters in Northwestern Ontario

While the arrests are centred in the GTA, the allegations highlight how organized crime networks can attempt to exploit “insider” access and move drugs and firearms across jurisdictions—pressures felt across Ontario, including Northern communities that rely heavily on inter-agency cooperation and public trust in policing.

What happens next

YRP say the investigation is ongoing and ask anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

All accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.