Paul Derry

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Risk, Security & Transformation Specialist
Organized Crime & Criminal Behaviour Expert

Paul Derry Expertise Innovation & Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Operational Process Improvement, Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, Disruptive Innovation, Adaptability & Agility, Organizational Change and Change Makers & Advocates.

Paul Derry

About Paul Derry

Paul Derry is a former RCMP informant, career criminal, and author who now speaks on organized crime, justice, and transformation. Recruited as a teenage source, he later became involved in the underworld and a Hells Angels–ordered murder before cooperating with authorities. His undercover work and testimony led to convictions and entry into the witness protection program. Paul Derry received a federal pardon for his work with the justice system and victims of crime. He is the author of Treacherous and other books on informant work and consults with government agencies on security and managing criminal behaviour across Canada and beyond.

Paul Derry Videos

Police informant suing RCMP over conditions in witness protection prog

Paul Derry Interviews & Podcasts

R.c. Sproul Jr. & Paul Derry Interview: Call Me Barabbas

Whistleblower Informant W / Paul Derry

PAUL DERRY BIOGRAPHY

Paul Derry is a former RCMP informant, career criminal, and author who now serves as a subject-matter expert on organized crime, criminal behaviour, and transformation. His lived experience inside both the criminal underworld and law enforcement operations informs the practical, unvarnished insights he provides to audiences.

As a teenager, Paul Derry was first engaged as a source by the RCMP and quickly learned how to move between street-level crime and police intelligence work. Officially coded as an informant in 1988, he operated for years in high-risk environments, gathering information while continuing his own criminal activities.

During this period, Paul Derry progressed from petty offences to managing criminal operations involving drugs, violence, and complex networks. His trajectory culminated in involvement in a Hells Angels–ordered murder, an event that would permanently alter the course of his life and career.

Following his arrest, Paul Derry agreed to cooperate with authorities in exchange for immunity from prosecution. He wore a wire against key figures, recorded conversations, and provided detailed intelligence that led to significant convictions in connection with the killing.

As a result of this cooperation, Paul Derry and his family were placed in the federal witness protection program. Living under new identities and strict security protocols, they experienced the personal and practical consequences that follow major organized crime investigations.

In recognition of his continued work on criminal justice and support for victims of crime, Paul Derry received a federal pardon from the Government of Canada. This acknowledgement reflects his efforts to use his experience to improve systems, policies, and public understanding of organized crime and its impacts.

Paul Derry is the author of Treacherous and Inside a Police Informant’s Mind, two bestselling books that examine the mindset, methods, and consequences of life as a police informant and career criminal. His writing offers a rare view of informant work and the operational realities faced by investigators and offenders.

As a speaker, Paul Derry addresses topics such as recidivism, rehabilitation, institutional accountability, and the long-term effects of organized crime on individuals, families, and communities. He explains how decisions made in moments of pressure, fear, or ambition can create lasting legal, financial, and psychological consequences.

Drawing on stories from his time inside criminal networks, Paul Derry outlines the leadership, staffing, communication, financial management, marketing, and networking skills required to survive in organized crime. He then demonstrates how those same capabilities can be redirected toward ethical business, non-profit leadership, and constructive community roles.

Through work with halfway houses, correctional officers, police services, and justice agencies, Paul Derry has seen both the strengths and vulnerabilities of current systems. He understands how offenders manipulate and sometimes corrupt staff, as well as how committed professionals can support genuine change and accountability.

Today, Paul Derry consults with government departments and justice-related organizations on security, risk management, organized crime strategy, and offender management. His briefings and sessions help leaders evaluate policies, strengthen internal controls, and anticipate the behaviours and tactics of high-risk individuals.

For audiences in law enforcement, corrections, government, corporate security, education, and community organizations, Paul Derry offers relevant, grounded content that connects policy, procedure, and human behaviour. His focus on practical lessons and clear examples supports improved decision-making, culture, and frontline practice.

In every engagement, he customizes his material to align with the objectives of the host organization and the risk profile of the audience. He also manages his own travel and security arrangements due to his history in witness protection, ensuring that logistical and safety considerations are addressed in advance for each event.

Paul Derry Topic Presentations

Paul Derry Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Treacherous: Inside a Police Informant’s World

Transformed:: Crime, Recidivism, and the Decision to Change

Transferable: Turning Criminal Skill Sets into Ethical Leadership

Paul Derry Books & Articles

Treacherous
Treacherous

Treacherous

Former Undercover Informant Sues Rcmp, Federal Government
Former Undercover Informant Sues Rcmp, Federal

Paul Derry says he was abused while working as underage operative in the Maritimes

Paul Derry Speaking Testimonials

"Paul Derry is one of the most captivating speakers I have ever seen, not only at the front of my classroom but in my professional career. Rarely are there opportunities for students to cultivate knowledge from such an exceptional and raw resource."

Geri Bemister

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paul Derry known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Paul Derry is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Paul Derry speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Paul Derry delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

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Paul Derry is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Paul Derry from and where do they speak across Canada?

Paul Derry is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Paul Derry available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Paul Derry is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Paul Derry deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Paul Derry may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Paul Derry to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Paul Derry is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

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Paul Derry is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Paul Derry as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Paul Derry keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Paul Derry for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Paul Derry may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Paul Derry for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Paul Derry should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Paul Derry represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Paul Derry is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More