Toronto Police Officers Arrested in Major Organized Crime Probe
Published 5 February 2026
Highlights
- Eight current and former Toronto police officers have been arrested in a major corruption and organized crime investigation.
- The probe, initiated in June 2025, uncovered allegations of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, and leaking personal information.
- Seven civilians were also arrested, with charges including plotting to kill a corrections officer and links to international organized crime.
- Over 400 officers from multiple police forces were involved in the investigation, highlighting the scale and complexity of the case.
- Police Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized the unprecedented nature of the case and the deep impact of organized crime infiltrating law enforcement.
In a sweeping investigation that has rocked Canada's largest municipal police service, eight current and former Toronto police officers have been arrested on charges related to organized crime. The arrests follow an extensive probe into allegations of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, and the leaking of sensitive information to criminal organizations.
Investigation Unveils Deep Corruption
The investigation, which began in June 2025, was triggered by an alleged attempt to murder a corrections officer at his home. Surveillance footage revealed three masked men, armed and dangerous, ramming a police vehicle in the officer's driveway. This incident set off a chain of events leading to the arrest of the officers and seven civilians, some of whom are accused of plotting the murder and having ties to international organized crime.
Allegations of Drug Trafficking and Bribery
Among the charges, officers are accused of trafficking fentanyl and cannabis, accepting bribes, and unlawfully collecting and sharing private information. Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan of York Region Police described the inquiry as one of the most complex in his nearly three-decade career. He revealed that during the arrest of one suspect, Brian Da Costa, police seized 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl, believed to be destined for Europe.
A Day of Reckoning for Toronto Police
Police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed deep disappointment over the allegations, acknowledging the severe breach of trust and the unprecedented scale of the case. "No corner of society is immune from the reach of organized crime," he stated, emphasizing the broader harm when such crime infiltrates law enforcement. Despite the gravity of the situation, Demkiw confirmed he had not been asked to resign.
Community and Law Enforcement Impact
The investigation, involving over 400 officers from York, Toronto, and the Ontario Provincial Police, underscores the pervasive influence of organized crime. York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween lamented the corrosive nature of such crime, marking it as a sad day for policing. The case also highlighted the involvement of the tow-truck industry, which has been plagued by violence and criminal activity.
What this might mean
The arrests of these officers could lead to significant legal and political repercussions. As the case unfolds in court, it may prompt a broader examination of corruption within law enforcement agencies across Canada. Experts suggest that this could lead to stricter oversight and reforms aimed at preventing organized crime from infiltrating police services. Additionally, the public's trust in law enforcement may be tested, necessitating efforts to rebuild confidence through transparency and accountability. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, potentially reshaping the landscape of Canadian policing.
