2 charged, including former Toronto police officer, in online gambling ring investigation
York Regional Police have charged a former Toronto police officer and another man with offenses related to an online gambling ring involving threats and extortion.Summary
York Regional Police (YRP) have laid additional charges against two men, including a former Toronto police officer, in connection with an online gambling ring operating between January 2024 and October 2025. The group allegedly provided access to gaming websites where victims placed bets on credit, then used threats and violence to collect debts, sometimes in inflated amounts. Thomas Phippard, also known as “Frank the Tank,” received three additional charges of extortion and one of uttering threats, adding to the eleven offenses he already faced. John Madeley, a retired Toronto police constable, was arrested and charged with breach of trust, firearm offenses, possession of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized computer use. Toronto police confirmed Madeley retired on April 1, 2025, after 28 years of service. Investigators believe there may be more victims and are urging them to come forward, with the investigation led by YRP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau in partnership with the South Simcoe Police Service.
(Source：CP24 Toronto)