The York Regional Police (YRP) recently announced the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Muhamer Oruglica, linked to Project South, a significant organized crime inquiry. This operation has resulted in multiple charges against officers from the Toronto Police and Peel Regional Police forces.
Details of the Arrest
Oruglica was arrested on February 25, 2026, following the information gathered during Project South. According to YRP, he faces serious allegations, including:
- One count of breach of trust
- One count of fraudulent use of a computer to commit an offence
- Two firearm-related offences
It is important to note that Oruglica was not apprehended at the initial announcement of Project South. A person by the same name was found on the 2024 Ontario Sunshine List, identified as a Staff Sergeant with a salary of $124,873.29. However, YRP has not verified his current employment status.
Legal Proceedings
Oruglica’s lawyer, Carmello Truscello, stated that he has not received any indication from the Crown’s office about any links between his client and Project South. He emphasized that Oruglica intends to contest the charges.
Project South Investigation
Project South has unveiled serious issues of police corruption, leading to an independent provincial investigation announced by Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing, Ryan Teschner. This probe aims to assess how policing organizations across Ontario manage corruption risks.
Teschner highlighted that the inquiry, requested by the Toronto Police Service and Board, will evaluate the overall effectiveness of police services in preventing and responding to corruption. An external appointee will oversee this examination, ensuring a thorough review across all involved police entities, including the Ontario Provincial Police.
Serious Allegations Uncovered
Project South, which began in June 2025, arose after a thwarted murder attempt against a corrections manager. The investigation allegedly revealed widespread issues, including:
- Bribery
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Drug trafficking
Investigators claim that police officers gained unauthorized access to classified data, which was then misused by criminals to facilitate violent crimes, including shootings.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing probe will culminate in a public report detailing the findings once the inspection wraps up. Although no specific timeline has been set for this report, Teschner acknowledged the complexity of examining operations across 45 different police services and boards in Ontario.
