Calgary Police to Keep Former Mayor's Phones in Corruption Probe Until 2027

Calgary police will continue to hold onto phones seized as part of a municipal corruption investigation, including devices belonging to former mayor Jyoti Gondek and ex-city councillor Sean Chu. A judge on Wednesday ordered that the electronics remain with the police until at least March 17, 2027.

Lawyers for Gondek and Chu had sought to dismiss the police request to extend the hold on their clients' phones. However, Justice Allan Fradsham rejected their bid, noting that a longer extension might better reflect the practical realities of the ongoing investigation. Police have faced challenges accessing the data on the seized devices, even with digital forensics tools like Cellebrite, but anticipate upcoming upgrades may unlock crucial evidence.

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In these circumstances, a longer extension may better reflect a practical reality in the investigation

The investigation, which began in July 2025, is examining allegations of municipal corruption, obstruction of justice, and fabricating evidence. Court documents indicate that Gondek and Chu are alleged to have been involved in an influence peddling scheme. This scheme purportedly involved reconsidering a bylaw change to permit a townhouse development in Calgary in exchange for campaign donations that exceeded legal limits.

None of the allegations have been proven in court. Gondek served as mayor from 2021 to 2025, while Chu was a city councillor for a decade before not seeking re-election in 2025. The court's decision to extend the hold on the phones underscores the complexity and ongoing nature of the investigation into alleged corruption within Calgary's municipal government.

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The devices continue to be necessary for the purposes of the investigation