York Regional Police have made significant progress in an ongoing investigation involving a former Toronto police officer linked to an organized crime group operating illegal gambling operations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The story came to light back in November when Thomas Phippard, also known as “Frank” or “Frank the Tank,” was charged by authorities. Phippard is accused of collaborating with a criminal ring that provided individuals with access to unlawful betting platforms, enabling them to make credit wagers. When these bets resulted in losses, victims allegedly faced coercion, threats, and violence to repay inflated debts.
In a recent development, investigators executed a search warrant at a Toronto residence on Jan. 12, leading to the laying of three additional extortion charges and a charge of uttering threats.
The following day, law enforcement officers conducted another search at a property in Barrie, where they apprehended a 55-year-old man identified as John Madeley, a former Toronto police officer. Madeley faces a range of charges, including breach of trust, unauthorized computer use, possession of a firearm in an unauthorized location, possession of prohibited devices, and possession of proceeds obtained through crime.
York Regional Police are emphasizing the importance of this case and have reissued Phippard’s photo, suspecting that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. They are urging anyone who has been coerced, threatened, or forced to repay gambling debts under questionable circumstances to reach out to the authorities for assistance.