Three OPP officers charged following allegations of preferential treatment for GTA tow operators

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Published January 16, 2021 at 4:07 pm

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OPP have charged three of its members and one other person as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations involving the towing industry.

In February 2019, the OPP Professional Standards Unit (PSU) received an internal complaint alleging members of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) were providing preferential treatment to tow operators within the GTA.

In October 2019, a joint investigation commenced with the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and the OPP PSU involving offences related to breach of trust and secret commissions.

As a result, three OPP officers have been charged with Secret Commissions and Breach of Trust:

  • 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)
  • PC Bindo Showan – aged 57 years – HSD 407 Detachment (20 years of service)

Bridle and Hussain have been released on undertakings. Bridle is additionally charged with Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration.

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,” OPP said.

“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.”

OPP has also charged 52 year old Toronto resident Sutheshkumar Sithambarpillay with Aiding and Abetting Breach of Trust and Secret Commissions. He is expected to appear in court on April 16, 2021.

The investigation is ongoing.

OPP have been a partner within the Government of Ontario-led multi-agency Towing Industry Task Force since June 2020.

“As a partner in the Towing Industry Task Force, the OPP is working hard to help mitigate the increased acts of violence, vandalism and fraud in the towing industry,” said OPP.

“The OPP has developed and is implementing a new towing policy to address how tow vehicles are dispatched to collision scenes or other calls for service.”

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