Two veteran Winnipeg police officers are facing a slew of criminal charges following a lengthy investigation by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), conducted under the oversight of Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit (IIU).
The probe, which began in early 2023, initially led to charges against Constable Elston Bostock, 48, in November 2024. However, further evidence uncovered during a search of electronic devices resulted in additional charges and the re-laying of previous counts.
On Aug, 6, 2025, Bostocka, 22-year member of the Winnipeg Police Service, was arrested and now faces 19 charges, including:
- Indignity to human remains
- Knowingly distributing an intimate image
- Break and enter to commit extortion
- Multiple counts of breach of trust and obstruction of justice
- Drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine, amphetamine, psilocybin, and others)
- Distribution of illicit cannabis
Allegations span years, on and off duty
On May 21, 2021, while on-duty, BOSTOCK attended to a Sudden Death. While at the private residence, BOSTOCK obtained an intimate photo of the deceased person with his personal cellular phone. BOSTOCK then distributed the photo electronically to another individual.
Between September 27, 2019, and October 31, 2024, BOSTOCK attended numerous Winnipeg Police Service firearm training days where he stole ammunition and then gave it to a third party.
Between February 17, 2016, and August 23, 2024, BOSTOCK, on numerous occasions, interfered with the course of justice by attempting to get traffic tickets voided.
On November 2, 2024 BOSTOCK accessed confidential information from Winnipeg Police Service databases and provided it to unauthorized people.
On November 26, 2024, a search warrant was executed on BOSTOCK’s personal cellular phone. Investigators reviewed telecommunications data extracted from the phone and discovered that BOSTOCK had conducted numerous illicit drug transactions between January 2016 and November 6, 2024.
Warrants were also executed on his residence and his locker at East District Station. Cocaine and psilocybin were located and seized at his residence.
Second officer charged
On March 16, 2023, STRUTINSKY, while partnered with BOSTOCK, while on duty entered a residence without authorization and unassociated to their duties for the purpose of evicting the tenants. Notes were left addressed to the tenants threatening that they would be arrested if they did not comply with the eviction.
Ongoing Investigation
The Winnipeg Police Service has confirmed the investigation remains active. Both officers have been suspended with pay pending the outcome of court proceedings.
Bostock is scheduled for a bail hearing later this week.
