Published on: January 15, 2026, 09:45h.

Updated on: January 15, 2026, 09:45h.

• Former Toronto police officer apprehended following illicit gambling probe
• Coercion and threats utilized for debt collection

A retired officer from Toronto has been arrested as part of an extensive investigation into an organized crime syndicate involved in operating illegal gambling platforms.

The Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau of York Regional Police, in collaboration with the South Simcoe Police Service, has been conducting a thorough investigation into extortion activities, resulting in recent arrests.

According to a statement from York Regional Police, John Madeley, aged 55, a former police officer in Toronto, was apprehended and charged at his residence in Barrie, Ontario, on Tuesday.

Threats of Violence

On Monday, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of Thomas Phippard, 47, known by the alias “Frank the Tank”.

The police reported that both men were associated with an organized crime group that provided victims access to gambling websites, where players could wager on credit between January 2024 and October 2025.

Players facing losses were coerced into repaying their debts, often at inflated rates.

Involvement of Former Officer

The accused employed intimidation tactics and threats to extract owed payments.

Phippard is facing three new charges of extortion and making threats this week, having already been charged with 11 offenses related to the ongoing investigation late last year.

Madeley has been charged with breach of trust, unauthorized computer access, and possession of a firearm in an unauthorized location, along with possession of a prohibited device and possession of property acquired through crime valued under $5,000.

The police have issued a photo of Phippard in hopes of encouraging additional victims to come forward.

According to CP24 in Toronto, Madeley retired from the police force on April 1, 2025, after 28 years of dedicated service.