The Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau of York Regional Police reports that officers carried out a search warrant in Barrie on Tuesday; another suspect is also facing extra charges.
Another arrest has been made, and additional charges have been filed as part of an extortion investigation.
York Regional Police’s organized crime enforcement bureau, along with the South Simcoe Police Service, have been looking into a crime group involved in illegal gaming and betting activities.
From January 2024 to October 2025, this group provided access to gaming websites where victims could place bets on credit. If they lost their bets, victims had to pay off their debts in cash, sometimes for inflated amounts, according to a news release.
Police mentioned that threats and violence were used to intimidate victims into making payments.
On Monday, January 12, investigators executed another search warrant at a home in Toronto, leading to Thomas Phippard being charged with more counts of extortion.
The following day, Tuesday, January 13, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Barrie where they arrested and charged a 55-year-old man who has now been identified as a former officer with the Toronto Police.
Investigators are re-sharing a photo of Phippard because they think there may be other victims and encourage them to reach out. He is commonly referred to as Frank or “Frank the Tank”.
Thomas Phippard, aged 47 from Toronto is facing charges for extortion (three counts) and uttering threats.
John Madeley, aged 55 from Barrie is charged with: breach of trust; unauthorized use of computer (four counts); possession of firearm in unauthorized place; possession of prohibited device (two counts); and possession of property obtained by crime valued under $5,000.
If anyone has information related to this case, they’re asked to contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6980. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting www.1800222tips. com.
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