Project South Corruption Investigation Widens with Additional Toronto Police Suspensions
The ongoing Project South organized crime corruption investigation has expanded significantly, with two more Toronto Police officers suspended from duty. This development brings the total number of current and former Toronto Police officers implicated in the probe to ten, marking a substantial escalation in the corruption case that has rocked Canada's largest municipal police service.
Latest Suspensions Under Community Safety and Policing Act
Just two days after seven Toronto Police officers and one retired officer faced criminal charges from York Regional Police, the Toronto Sun has confirmed that two additional officers have been suspended with pay under Ontario's Community Safety and Policing Act. Toronto Police spokesperson Nadine Ramadan stated, "Two officers have been suspended. I'm not able to share their names as they are not before the tribunal."
Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell addressed the situation, noting that "unlike criminal charges, where legal support is not guaranteed, members facing internal disciplinary matters under the Community Safety and Policing Act are provided with the opportunity to access legal assistance through the TPA." A source close to the suspended officers revealed that while all are being investigated, no charges have been filed at this point, though Police Act charges could follow.
Expanding Investigation Across Multiple Police Services
The Project South probe continues to expand beyond initial expectations. Peel Regional Police announced on Friday that they have suspended three officers in connection with the investigation, indicating the corruption network may extend across multiple police services in the Greater Toronto Area.
The seven officers previously charged in York Regional Police's Project South investigation face serious criminal allegations, including involvement in a house shooting and conspiracy to commit murder. In a rare disciplinary move, four of those officers have been suspended without pay, highlighting the severity of the accusations.
Questions About Investigation Impartiality
Concerns have emerged regarding the impartiality of the investigation process, particularly surrounding Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw's relationship with Ontario's Inspector General of Policing, Ryan Teschner. Teschner previously served as executive director of the Toronto Police Services Board when Demkiw was hired and introduced him at his 2022 swearing-in ceremony.
Despite Demkiw requesting a full review from the Inspector General's office, questions remain about whether Teschner can maintain objectivity given his previous working relationship with the police chief. Inspectorate of Policing spokesperson Rima Amri stated that "appropriate safeguards, including those set out in the Community Safety and Policing Act, will be implemented to ensure the work is done in a manner that is objective and impartial" if an inspection proceeds.
Calls for Leadership Recusal and Transparency
With the corruption case now involving serious allegations including sharing a correction officer's home address and conspiracy to commit murder, calls are growing for Chief Demkiw to recuse himself from the investigation. Observers argue that when a public organization faces scandal, management should not investigate themselves, citing precedents from Hockey Canada, the Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Michael's College.
The situation has drawn comparisons to former Toronto mayor John Tory's resignation following an inter-office relationship acknowledgment and a 1997 case where a York Regional Police chief stepped aside due to breach of trust allegations. Many believe Demkiw should either voluntarily step away from the investigation or be directed to do so by Mayor Olivia Chow, Premier Doug Ford, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, or Toronto Police Services Board Chair Shelley Carroll.
Unusual Public Presentation Raises Concerns
The public presentation of Project South findings has raised eyebrows within law enforcement circles. When York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan, Chief James MacSween, and Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw addressed media while appearing to be armed and wearing bulletproof vests typically reserved for high-risk operations, they presented compelling evidence reminiscent of trial openings.
While transparency is generally welcomed, some question whether this approach might compromise the accused officers' right to a fair trial. Traditional practice would typically involve York Regional Police outlining their case separately from Toronto Police leadership addressing their perspective independently.
As the investigation continues to expand, there are increasing calls for implementing whistleblower protections to ensure officers can freely communicate with investigators without fear of reprisal. The growing scope of Project South suggests this corruption probe may continue to reveal additional connections and implications across Ontario's law enforcement community.
