Up to seven current and former Calgary cops are under investigation by the force’s “anti-corruption team,” the Sun has learned.

The issue arose after a retired Calgary cop set up his own private investigation company and sourced out work to serving officers, which would be a breach of ethics.

Sun sources say former officers were hired as bodyguards for a “wealthy client,” being paid as much as $1,000 a day in cash.

They were also paid to put people under surveillance, again being paid up to $1,000 a day.

Because the they were being paid in cash, it’s thought the taxman was left out of the loop.

The anti-corruption investigators are also looking at the possibility two serving officers may have used police resources like databases to aid the client in divorce proceedings against his wife.

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“This guy is rich enough to afford to buy his own island in the Caribbean,” said one Sun source.

The former police officer at the centre of the investigation retired years years ago.

The anti-corruption squad not only looks in actions by police officers but would also be called in if any issues arose with judges and lawyers.

Police spokesman Kevin Brookwell said an initial complaint came in from the client’s wife alleging criminal harassment from the retired officer and the two serving members.

Brookwell said as soon as the allegations were brought forward an investigation was launched and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team was brought in to oversee the file.

“Two members were suspended with pay” after an apparent data breach, said Brookwell, adding there is a possibility others may be involved.

Brookwell said the service also notified the provincial privacy commissioner about the apparent breach.

Sun sources say the investigation has wrapped up and they are dealing with the Crown in Edmonton on possible charges.

Potential charges could include criminal breach of trust.

dave.naylor@sunmedia.ca