‘Deeply disappointing’: Canadian police accused of working with extortion gangs, drug dealers; leaking personal information to criminals

York police have announced a major operation against ongoing organized crime in Toronto, saying seven current police officers and one former police officer have been charged with criminal conspiracy to murder an Ontario correctional officer. These officers collect personal and private information and distribute it to gang leaders.

List of police officers involved in organized crime

Plan South: This is what happened

York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan spoke about the operation at a news conference today. Brian DaCosta, suspected of drug trafficking, was arrested on January 23 this year. Police seized 169 pounds of marijuana and 1 pound of fentanyl, which we believe were destined for a location in Europe. Police learned that insiders were involved in da Costa’s operation. Others assist the scam by leaking confidential information. Police also identified several other civilian suspects Thursday. Their charges include conspiracy to commit murder, possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition and deliberate disguise.The investigation began in June 2025 following a conspiracy to murder a correctional administrator who worked at an Ontario Correctional Institution. On the same day, multiple suspects went to the target’s home in York Region to murder him. The events of 2025 were just the tip of the iceberg, as investigators uncovered a complex criminal network that included conspiracy to commit murder, shootings, extortion, robberies, drug trafficking and gun crimes.York Regional Police Chief Jim McSwain said the criminal activity occurred in real time after the officers leaked personal information. He said it was a deeply disturbing day for police as organized crime spreads within police agencies. “This news is both shocking and completely unacceptable. Corruption has no place in policing. Corruption will never be tolerated,” the police chief said.