York Regional Police they uncovered evidence of numerous unlawful database searches allegedly carried out by Toronto Police Constable Timothy Barnhardt and other members of the Toronto Police Service.

According to investigators, several of the addresses obtained through the improper queries later became the sites of extortion, commercial robberies, and shootings.

Authorities allege the confidential information obtained through the searches was shared with Brian Da Costa, Elwyn Satanowsky, and others believed by police to be connected to organized criminal networks.

In total, three active Toronto Police officers and one retired officer have been charged in connection with the alleged unlawful queries and the unauthorized distribution of confidential personal information.