A former longtime Toronto Police Service (TPS) officer faces multiple charges related to his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling ring with ties to organized crime.
York Regional Police (YRP) confirmed that John Madeley is one of two men charged after a probe into illegal online gaming and betting. CP24 reported that Madeleye retired from TPS at the rank of constable after 28 years of service.
YRP stated that, between January 2024 and October 2025, an organized crime group allowed people to access gaming websites and place bets using credit. In instances where the wagers lost, the victims of the alleged scheme were required to settle debts in cash, sometimes in “exaggerated” amounts, said a YRP news release.
After an investigation carried out by York and South Simcoe police, officers raided a home in Barrie, Ont. this week where they arrested and charged 55-year-old Madeley. The former office is accused of breach of trust, unauthorized use of a computer and possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place, along with possession of a prohibited device and property under $5000 obtained by crime.
The other man charged is 47-year-old Thomas Phippard, known as Frank the Tank, who was also charged late last year with 11 offences in connection with the ongoing investigation. Madeley is newly charged. Both men are alleged to have used threats and violence to intimidate victims to collect money.
Phippard is charged with three separate counts of extortion, as well as with uttering threats. None of the allegations against him or Madeley have been tested in court.
Two other suspects were also arrested and charged last September.
BC investigators uncover Vancouver Island scheme
This is the latest incident of investigators in Canada uncovering an illegal gambling scheme.
In November, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) charged a B.C. man with illegal gambling and money laundering after a probe lasting nearly two years uncovered a gambling house on Vancouver Island.
In that case, investigators assisted by CFSEU-BC teams and Saanich and Victoria police executed multiple search warrants and arrested 14 people. Police seized two poker tables, several thousand poker chips, multiple electronic devices, tax documentation, approximately $17,000 in cash and several vehicles.
