John Khoshandish

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JOHN KHOSHANDISH

Inspector John Khoshandish leads the York Regional Police Intelligence Bureau located within the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, through intelligence operations targeting transnational organized crime while supporting national security, counter-terrorism, and foreign interference related investigations. He is responsible for the Bureau’s strategic direction, operational budget, and risk management of all intelligence activities and deployments.Inspector Khoshandish directs the Intelligence HUB, the organization’s central command for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence. His portfolio includes oversight of covert operations, confidential human source development, and a specialized team of crime and intelligence analysts. He integrates tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence to guide enforcement priorities and enhance community safety.Inspector Khoshandish spearheaded the development and implementation of a locally driven response framework to address foreign interference and transnational repression. He also maintains oversight of Witness Protection program, VIP/dignitary security operations and the Crime Stoppers program of York Region.He further brings extensive operational experience as a former specialized tactical operator / police sniper supporting hostage-rescue operations and managing high-risk critical incidents. His speaking engagements include the 2024 Europol\'s Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Public Prosecution Service of Canada Crown School and the 2025 G7 Foreign Interference TTX multilateral conference in Ottawa.Inspector Khoshandish has co-authored recommendations with Dr. Christian Leuprecht to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. He has contributed to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Subcommittee on Foreign Interference and serves on the RCMP’s Transnational Repression Working Group.Inspector Khoshandish holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Cyber Security from King’s College London and a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph, complemented by advanced national security training from CSIS, the RCMP, the Asser Institute, and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague.Inspector Khoshandish also serves as a peer reviewer for the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Threat Assessment and Management and sits on the Board of Directors for Yorktown Family Services in Toronto.