Three OPP officers have been charged, and four others have been suspended pending an investigation, as police look into allegations of wrongdoing involving the towing industry in the Toronto area.
The three constables face charges of secret commissions and breach of trust.
All have 20 or more years experience with the OPP, and all work out of detachments in the Toronto area.
As a result of this complex internal investigation, the charged OPP members are as follows:
· PC Simon BRIDLE – aged 53 years – HSD 407 Detachment (20 years of service)
· PC Mohammed (Ali) HUSSAIN – aged 52 years – OPP Toronto Detachment (24 years of service)
HUSSAIN was arrested on January 13, 2021 and BRIDLE was arrested on January 14, 2021 and both have been released on undertakings with specific conditions of release. PC BRIDLE is additionally charged with Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration contrary to section 286.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
· PC Bindo SHOWAN – aged 57 years – HSD 407 Detachment (20 years of service)
An endorsed warrant has been issued for the arrest of SHOWAN as he is currently out of the province.
As per authorities contained in the Police Services Act, all three members have been or will be served notices of suspension with pay.
Additionally, as a result of this ongoing criminal investigation, four more OPP officers – including two Commissioned Officers from the Highway Safety Division – have been suspended with pay. These members remain under investigation but have not been charged with an offence. The investigation is continuing and should these members be criminally charged, their identities will be released.
The OPP has also charged Sutheshkumar SITHAMBARPILLAY, aged 52 years of Toronto, with Aiding and Abetting Breach of Trust and Secret Commissions contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. The accused is expected to appear in court on April 16, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice (Finch Avenue) in Toronto.
If anyone has information regarding this ongoing investigation, they are urged to call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers.
