Two former automotive sales managers have launched a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the Toronto Police Service, seeking nearly $11 million in damages after all 176 criminal charges filed against them in a high-profile auto theft investigation were withdrawn by prosecutors. The men are also calling for a public apology, saying the allegations devastated their reputations, careers, and personal lives.
The lawsuit, filed in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, names the Toronto Police Services Board, Police Chief Myron Demkiw, and several police officers as defendants. The plaintiffs, Harris Bocknek and Fadi Zeto, allege they were wrongfully arrested, publicly portrayed as criminals, and suffered severe financial and emotional harm despite the charges eventually being dropped.
According to the claim, both men were employed as automotive sales and finance managers at a Scarborough dealership before becoming the focus of a major police investigation into an alleged stolen vehicle operation. Authorities accused them of participating in a scheme involving stolen vehicles, falsified sales documentation, vehicle identification numbers, and dealership funds. The investigation resulted in a series of search warrants and arrests that received widespread media attention.
Bocknek faced 92 criminal charges, while Zeto was charged with 84 offences. However, approximately ten months later, prosecutors withdrew all charges after concluding there was no reasonable prospect of securing convictions.
The lawsuit alleges that investigators relied on false information, failed to properly verify the allegations before making arrests, and publicly presented accusations as established facts rather than unproven allegations. The plaintiffs further claim that police did not seek explanations from them during the investigation before laying charges.
Bocknek alleges he was arrested at his family home while celebrating his young daughter’s birthday, describing the experience as traumatic for both himself and his family. Zeto claims he was arrested at his business premises, where police executed an extensive search that allegedly caused damage to property and business records. He further alleges he was held in custody for more than 30 hours without receiving meaningful information about the reasons for his detention.
Following the arrests, police publicly announced the results of the investigation, identifying both men by name. According to the lawsuit, the publicity caused immediate and lasting damage to their personal and professional reputations. Both men claim they lost their employment, had their automotive industry licences revoked, and have since been unable to rebuild careers within the industry.
The statement of claim also alleges that financial institutions cancelled credit facilities and banking services, resulting in significant financial hardship. One plaintiff claims he lost his home, while both men say they continue to experience serious economic losses and emotional distress.
In addition to seeking financial compensation, the plaintiffs are requesting that Toronto police publicly acknowledge the damage caused by the investigation and formally apologize. They also want their records fully cleared and safeguards introduced to prevent similar situations from occurring in future investigations.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost income, reputational damage, emotional suffering, aggravated damages, punitive damages, and other financial losses. Together, the claims total nearly $11 million.
The allegations contained in the statement of claim have not been tested in court, and the defendants have not yet filed a statement of defence. The Toronto Police Service has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case is expected to proceed through the civil courts, where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence before the claims are determined.