Investigators suspected inmate with ties to Ryan Wedding used jail guard ex-girlfriend in murder plot, documents show

The recent revelation of an attempted hit on a Toronto jail guard has ignited a broader examination of systemic issues within the city's law enforcement and criminal underworld. According to newly unsealed court documents obtained through a media consortium's request, the incident appears to be linked to a sprawling network involving high-profile figures such as former Olympic athlete and alleged drug trafficker Ryan Wedding. These documents, part of a larger police corruption probe known as Project South, outline the intricate connections between organized crime, corrupt officials, and the targeted individuals.

The documents, referred to as Information to Obtain (ITO) forms, were compiled by York Regional Police in February 2026. These forms are typically submitted to a judge to justify the need for a search warrant and include preliminary police observations based on evidence such as call intercepts and recordings. While much of the content remains under a publication ban, the partial release has offered a glimpse into the alleged involvement of multiple parties. Among these are former officers of the Toronto Police Service and civilian associates, who are reportedly implicated in facilitating criminal activities ranging from drug trafficking to organized violence.

The initial trigger for Project South was an alleged attempt to assassinate a jail guard at the Toronto South Detention Centre. This incident, which occurred in June 2025, saw suspects visiting the guard's residence multiple times, some wearing masks and carrying weapons. Video footage captured during these visits showed the suspects attempting to breach the property, leading to heightened suspicion among investigators. The guard, who had reportedly faced hostility from many inmates, identified several individuals he believed might have motive to harm him, including a detainee named Gurpreet Singh.

Singh, currently incarcerated and facing extradition to the United States, is connected to the alleged operations of Ryan Wedding, a figure likened to modern-day Pablo Escobar due to his purported role in a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking enterprise. The documents suggest that Singh's extradition is related to ongoing investigations by U.S. agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which have been probing Wedding's international drug-trafficking activities.

Further details from the ITOs indicate that the alleged plot to kill the jail guard may have been orchestrated by an inmate with ties to Wedding, potentially using the guard's ex-girlfriend as a facilitator. This connection highlights the complex interplay between prison systems and external criminal networks, suggesting that even within institutional settings, there can be significant vulnerabilities exploited by organized crime groups.

The investigation has led to charges against numerous individuals, including seven current Toronto Police officers and one retired officer, along with twenty civilians. These charges encompass a range of offenses, from bribery to drug trafficking, underscoring the scale and severity of the alleged misconduct. However, it is important to note that none of the claims have been officially proven in court, and the documents represent untested allegations.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will likely shift towards determining the extent of the connections outlined in the ITOs and assessing their validity. The ongoing debate around the balance between transparency and the protection of individual rights will remain a critical aspect of the case, particularly as the media consortium seeks to challenge the publication bans imposed on certain portions of the evidence. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the public's understanding of the events and the broader implications for law enforcement integrity.