Toronto ‘Muslim Liaison Unit’ officer suspended after arrest on sexual assault charges

Peel police confirmed that Farhan Ali, 39, faces several charges following an investigation. Officials said Ali “has been arrested and charged” with “three counts of sexual assault, three counts of assault and four counts of mischief.”

Authorities have not released further details about the allegations. Sources told the Toronto Sun that the accusations are not directly connected to Ali’s duties while in uniform or on active service. Ali has been with the Toronto Police Service for more than 14 years. His arrest reportedly took place in February.

The constable’s name previously drew public attention in 2025 after he appeared in a video tied to a Toronto Police community partnership initiative known as the Muslim Liaison Unit.

In the recording, Ali and another officer, Const. Haroon Siddiqui, spoke about criticism surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Toronto following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. Both officers were in uniform, and the police logo was visible on a table during the discussion.

During the conversation, Ali said: “When we have somebody labelling a certain group as something they’re not, all of the sudden now an Islamophobic undertone.”

Siddiqui, who is not involved in the current investigation and remains with the Toronto Police Service, also commented during the discussion. He said: “A lot of people, after Oct. 7, started learning about Islam,” and “there have been a lot of ‘reverts’ through this whole process … the amount of people reverting to Islam is unbelievable, they’re educating themselves and saying, ‘(Why) is it that Muslims are being targeted, and why are they being targeted?’” The video prompted criticism at the time. It was later removed, and Toronto Police issued an apology.

“We acknowledge that a recent episode of our podcast, Project Olive Branch, has caused significant upset and concern in the Jewish community and beyond. That was not our intention and we apologize. The podcast has been removed,” Toronto Police said.

Chief Myron Demkiw also addressed the controversy. “We recognize the Jewish community’s profound pain and anguish as a result of October 7th and the ensuing rise of antisemitism. I have personally heard from the community about the impact of this podcast, and I’m truly sorry. Our commitment to protecting our Jewish communities remains unwavering.”

A photo has also begun circulating online of Olivia Chow with the former officer. Chow is seen with Ali smiling to the right.