A Calgary judge has ordered the phones of former mayor Jyoti Gondek and others to remain with police during a corruption investigation until March 2027.The court rejected lawyers' requests to dismiss the police's request to extend the hold on the devices, citing the need for further evidence.Police have not yet accessed the phones using digital forensics tools but plan to use upgraded technology.

The investigation involves allegations of municipal corruption, obstruction of justice, and fabricated evidence against Gondek and former councillor Sean Chu.

Court documents reveal the probe began in July 2025, alleging a scheme where council reconsidered a bylaw change in exchange for campaign donations exceeding legal limits.While no charges have been proven, the case highlights ongoing scrutiny of local officials' conduct.

Gondek, who served as mayor from 2021 to 2025, was recently defeated in the municipal election, while Chu, a decade-long councillor, did not run in 2025.

The case underscores the complexities of digital evidence in legal proceedings and the challenges of balancing investigative needs with individual rights.