7 Toronto police officers charged in ‘organized crime and corruption investigation’: sources

Seven Toronto police officers have been arrested and charged in connection with what York Regional Police (YRP) are calling a “lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption,” multiple sources have told CP24 and CTV News Toronto.

Sources told CP24 that the Toronto officers charged, four of whom have been suspended without pay, worked in 11 and 12 Divisions as well as one officer from the Guns and Gangs Unit.

CP24 has confirmed through multiple sources the names of two of the officers charged in this investigation: Tim Barnhardt, of 12 Division, and Rob Black.

In a statement provided to CP24 on Wednesday night, the Toronto Police Association said it is “aware of several of its members who were arrested today.”

“As a professional labour organization, we will ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required. We have no further comment regarding this investigation or the members involved,” the police union said.

“We would like to state that we proudly represent over 8,500 uniformed and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service, whose dedication to public safety and commitment to the values of our organizations should not be disputed or questioned in the face of these allegations.”

On Thursday morning, police in York Region will be sharing further details about Project South during a news conference at the force’s headquarters in Aurora, Ont.

York Police Chief Jim MacSween, along with Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan, will be joined by Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw at the news conference, which is set to get underway at 10 a.m.

It will be carried live on CP24.com.

CP24/CTV News Toronto have reached out to both the Toronto Police Service as well as York Regional Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for more information.