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Since 1972, the Canadian Bankers Association has recognized outstanding police performance in fighting crime against Canadian banks through the Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Awards. These awards honour those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while preventing and investigating crimes against Canada's banks, their employees, and their customers.
More than 300 officers from across the country have received this recognition, an annual event that highlights not only exceptional investigations but also the important partnership between banks and law enforcement. From robberies to high-tech and highly organized fraud operations, protecting Canadians requires strong collaboration and the Awards are one way the banking sector says "thank you."
See the full list of past award recipients.
About the Award
The CBLEA is the highest award presented by the CBA to a sworn member of law enforcement (includes Special Constables and sworn auxiliary Peace Officers) for exceptional achievement in an investigation involving the banking sector.1 This would include acts of bravery, courage and demonstrated resourcefulness in order to overcome investigative obstacles and extenuating circumstances to bring an investigation to a successful conclusion.
This award can be presented to an Individual or Group (Team). The criteria for nominations are as follows:
Individual: This award is presented to a member of law enforcement for a unique investigation (not just high profile) involving the banking industry. The officer has displayed exceptional diligence to overcome obstacles and extenuating circumstances. This award may also be presented in cases where the officer knowingly placed themselves at great risk (threat of serious bodily harm or death, imminent danger etc.) during the protection of life involving a bank employee, customer or bank property.
Group (Team): This award is presented to sworn members of Law Enforcement (includes sworn auxiliary Peace Officers) working in a group/taskforce/team investigation involving the banking industry. The results of the investigation (Project) demonstrate exemplary performance in overcoming extraordinary circumstances resulting in a successful conclusion to the investigation. Examples could include investigations for Robbery against a Bank (Branch) where employees and customers may be at risk, or fraudulent acts against a Bank or Banks, by an organized criminal group.
Learn more about how to submit a nomination.
The Awards are presented annually at a formal ceremony at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
2025 Honourees
Detective Constable Sarath Thayalan – Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes Unit (Individual Award)
From 2022 to 2024, Detective Constable Sarath Thayalan of the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit led Project Déjà Vu, a complex investigation into a sophisticated synthetic identity fraud scheme that resulted in approximately $3.9 million losses across Ontario.
Through meticulous investigative work, Detective Constable Thayalan uncovered hundreds of fabricated identities used to defraud financial institutions and arrested 14 individuals and laid approximately 105 criminal charges in connection with the scheme. Investigators also seized approximately $300,000 in Canadian and foreign currency as proceeds of crime.
His leadership and dedication disrupted a sophisticated organized crime network and helped protect Canadians and the integrity of Canada's financial system.
Left to right: CBA President and CEO Anthony G. Ostler, Detective Constable Sarath Thayalan, Toronto Police Service, CBA Director, Financial Crimes, Ryan Ku
Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto Police Service – (Group Award)
In 2024 investigators from the Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police worked alongside financial institution investigators to dismantle an organized distraction theft network targeting older Canadians through Projects Borsa and Final.
Detective Constable Consack of the Toronto Police Service launched an immediate investigation and issued public safety alerts. Working with Detective Constable Jardine, she identified links to an organized criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions. At the same time, Ontario Provincial Police Detective Constable Yip was investigating similar offences in smaller Ontario communities through Project Final. Through close collaboration between financial institutions, the Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police, investigators connected the cases, shared intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
By connecting investigations across multiple jurisdictions and sharing intelligence, the team identified suspects linked to 35 incidents across two provinces. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals, more than 130 criminal charges, over $60,000 in restitution to victims and the disruption of a criminal network that preyed on vulnerable Canadians.
Beyond the financial losses, the investigations addressed a growing threat that left many older Canadians fearful of using ATMs and helped restore confidence by holding those responsible accountable.
Left to right: CBA President and CEO Anthony G. Ostler, Detective Constable Ewa Consack, Toronto Police Service, Detective Constable Lukas Yip, Ontario Provincial Police and CBA Director, Financial Crimes, Ryan Ku
Protect yourself from financial crime
Banks and law enforcement work closely together to combat financial crime. Canadians can also play an important role. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud and scams.
1 The banking industry includes domestic banks, foreign bank subsidiaries, full-service foreign bank branches and foreign bank lending branches operating in Canada. For a listing of CBA members: cba.ca/article/member-banks