3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft

The Winnipeg Police Headquarters seen in a file image (Source; CTV News Winnipeg)

Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation

Charges against Constables Elston Bostock, Jonathan Kiazyk and Matthew Kadyniuk were announced Thursday. Bostock was charged with four counts of breach of trust, two counts of obstructing justice, theft under $5,000, obstructing a police officer and unlawfully being in a dwelling house.

Kadyniuk was charged with theft under $5,000 and breach of trust, and Kiazyk was charged with breach of trust, obstructing a police officer and unlawfully being in a dwelling house.

Deputy Chief Gene Bowers said the arrests were deeply concerning to him and the police service.

“As a police service, we takes instances of misconduct and breaches of the law by our members very seriously,” he said. “I want to make it clear that the Winnipeg Police Service does not, and will not, tolerate this type of behaviour.”

Bostock is alleged to have engaged in acts involving the disclosure of confidential information, obstruction of justice, obstruction of police investigations and theft of property between Oct. 22, 2022 and Nov. 2, 2024. Police allege some of Bostock’s actions happened both on and off duty.

He is alleged to have acted alone in some instances, while in other instances, he was partnered with Kadyniuk or Kiazyk.

Police allege Kadyniuk and Bostock stole money while on duty on Oct. 17, 2024, and allege Kiazyk and Bostock unlawfully entered a home in the 300 block of Stradbrook Avenue during a police investigation while the scene was being held, obstructing an active investigation.

Bostock has been a member of the police service for 21 years. Kiazyk has served for 18 years, while Kadyniuk has served for two years.

The three officers have been released on undertakings. None of the charges have been proven in court.

Police said all three officers have been placed on administrative leave, and their employment status will be reviewed by the Winnipeg Police Chief once the investigation is finished.

Bowers said the alleged incidents will have an impact on community trust, and he knows people will be upset.

“We work hard to ensure that we have integrity, that our service members have integrity, and that we have trust with the community,” he said. “Without trust from the community, we’re not very strong as a police service. I think we’ve learned that it’s imperative that we have trust, that people can come to us with information regarding all types of offences in the city.”

He said they will strive to make sure members are held accountable in cases of inappropriate action.