‘No one is above the law’: 3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, other offences

Three Winnipeg police officers – two veterans and a rookie on the force – have been charged with breach of trust and other offences after a Professional Standards Unit investigation.

The Winnipeg Police Service says constables Elston Bostock, 47, Jonathan Kiazyk, 46, and Matthew Kadyniuk, 32, have all been place on administrative leave with pay.

Their work status will be reviewed by Winnipeg’s chief of police once the investigation by Manitoba’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), is over.

“The arrest of three of our members is deeply concerning to me and the Winnipeg Police Service as a whole,” said Deputy Chief Gene Bowers at a press conference Thursday. “As a police service, we take incident of misconduct and breaches of the law by our members very seriously.

“I want it make it clear that the Winnipeg Police Service does not and will not tolerate this type of behaviour.”

Winnipeg police say the investigation centres around Bostock’s alleged actions while on and off duty over a more than two-year period. In some instances, Bostock is alleged to have acted alone, while in others he was partnered with Kadyniuk and Kiazyk.

Between Oct. 22, 2022, and Nov 2, 2024, police allege Bostock “engaged in acts that involved the disclosure of confidential information, obstruction of justice, obstruction of police investigations, and theft of property.”

On or near Oct. 22, 2022, it’s alleged Bostock and Kiazyk unlawfully entered a home on Stradbrook Avenue while police were “holding a scene” during an investigation. Winnipeg police could not provide details what type of crime scene it was.

On Oct. 17, 2024, it’s alleged Bostock and Kadyniuk stole money valued at under $5,000 while on duty.

The WPS says it became aware of the breach of trust allegations in early 2024. On May 7, Winnipeg police notified IIU, which then requested the assistance of the WPS Professional Standards Unit to conduct the investigation.

“We are a large organization and we really strive for excellence in our organization,” Bowers told reporters. “Regrettably, from time to time, members act inappropriately or they violate the law. So in those incidences, we do have systems that bring these things to our attention.

“We believe in transparency and accountability, and when these things occur, we will hold people accountable within the police service. No one is above the law, and we take this very seriously.”

The Professional Standards Unit investigation involved consultation with the IIU and Manitoba Justice officials.

The three officers were charged Wednesday.

Bostock, a 21-year member of the service, was charged with four counts of breach of trust, unlawfully entering a residence, obstructing a police officer, two counts of obstructing justice and theft under $5,000.

Kiazyk, an 18-year member of the service, was charged with breach of trust, obstructing a police officer and unlawfully entering a residence.

Kadyniuk, a two-year member of the service, was charged with breach of trust and theft under $5,000.