TORONTO – The chair of the Toronto Police Service board has stated that the allegations of criminal charges against Toronto officers in Spain are concerning and need to be handled “swiftly and seriously” by the police force.
TORONTO – The chair of the Toronto Police Service board has stated that the allegations of criminal charges against Toronto officers in Spain are concerning and need to be handled “swiftly and seriously” by the police force.
The Mossos d’Esquadra police force in Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that three men were arrested for sexual assault and injuries following an incident in a taxi last Wednesday.
Multiple Spanish news outlets reported that three Canadian police officers, who were on vacation, had been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a sex worker in Barcelona.
Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer mentioned on Monday that three officers have been charged in Barcelona while on vacation, but she did not provide details about the charges or confirm reports from Spanish media.
Sayer indicated that one officer has already returned to Canada and has been suspended from duty, while the other two will also face suspension upon their return in the coming days.
Coun. Shelley Carroll, who chairs the Toronto Police Service Board, noted that residents expect police officers to “uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty.”
“The reports emerging from Spain involving Toronto police officers are serious and troubling,” Carroll stated in an email sent on Tuesday, emphasizing that public confidence in law enforcement must be “continually reinforced.”
“To maintain public trust, these matters must be dealt with swiftly and seriously by the Toronto Police Service.”
When questioned about the situation in Spain, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow remarked that it wasn’t appropriate for her to comment since the charges are currently before the courts.
If anyone is found guilty of such serious allegations as sexual assault, they should face consequences,” she added during an unrelated press conference on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the Toronto Police Association, Meaghan Gray, confirmed awareness of “an incident involving three members who were on vacation” outside Canada.
“Since these charges pertain to an off-duty incident, we have no further comments at this time,” she said via email on Tuesday.
Coun. Carroll emphasized that it’s essential for the public to see a commitment from law enforcement towards improving its culture and standards.
“I expect our chief and service leadership to take necessary actions to uphold public trust,” she stated.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 19, 2026.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
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