Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Nine Toronto police officers are facing charges related to violent incidents involving tow trucks and operators across the Greater Toronto Area, multiple sources tell CBC News.
CBC News is not naming the sources, as they are not authorized to share details publicly.
Officers are accused of trafficking, leaking addresses to hitmen, and leaking police officer addresses, the sources said.
The investigation also uncovered a conspiracy to kill a unit commander at the Toronto South Detention Centre, the sources said.
WATCH | A look at what’s behind violence in GTA’s towing industry:
Why is there so much crime and violence in the GTA’s towing industry?
A tow truck on fire in Toronto Monday night is the latest violent incident connected to tow-truck businesses in recent weeks. CBC investigative journalist Zach Dubinsky has more on why tow truck wars in the city are heating up.
The sources said York Regional Police led the investigation.
York Regional Police has not responded to calls from CBC Toronto on Wednesday evening.
However, the service is set to hold a 10 a.m. news conference on Thursday about “a lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption.”
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw is set to attend that news conference.
Toronto police are not commenting on the matter at this time, instead referring CBC News to York police’s scheduled news conference, spokesperson Nadine Ramadan said in an email.
CBC News has also requested comment from the Toronto Police Service Board, but did not immediately receive a response.
In a statement, the Toronto Police Association said it was aware several of its members were arrested Wednesday, and the organization will “ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office said she won’t comment on the story on Wednesday night.
WATCH | TPS launched dedicated task force in 2025:
How Toronto police plan to crack down on violence in the tow truck industry
As the tow truck industry continues to see a rise in gun violence, Toronto police are launching a new team focused solely on addressing the issue. CBC’s Dale Manucdoc explains how it will work.
Towing-related violence has been a major issue in Toronto. In 2024, there were 63 shooting and firearm discharge incidents related to tow-truck disputes, accounting for almost 13 per cent of all such incidents that year.
Toronto police launched a task force last year to address a rise in crime and violence linked to the tow truck industry.