Ex-Toronto officer among two charged after York police probe into online gambling extortion
York Regional Police say an organized online gambling ring coerced victims to settle bets in cash. Two men, including a former Toronto officer, face multiple charges.
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By Torontoer Staff
York Regional Police have charged two men following an investigation into an alleged organized crime ring that ran illegal online gambling and used threats to collect losses. The operation, police say, ran from January 2024 until October 2025 and involved allowing victims to place bets on gaming websites on credit before demanding cash repayments when they lost.
One of the accused is a 55-year-old former Toronto police officer arrested at a Barrie residence with assistance from the South Simcoe Police Service. The other is a 47-year-old Toronto man who was charged in a separate Toronto search earlier this year.
How investigators say the scheme worked
According to York police, the group provided victims access to private gaming sites and extended credit so people could place bets without immediate payment. When accounts showed losses, investigators allege, members of the ring resorted to threats and violence to force victims to settle, sometimes claiming exaggerated amounts.
Police say the alleged activity targeted multiple victims over nearly two years. Investigators have re-released a photo of one of the accused and indicated they believe there may be additional people who have not yet come forward.
Arrests, searches and seized items
The 47-year-old Toronto man was arrested in the fall and faces new extortion counts after investigators searched a Toronto residence on Monday. He is also charged with kidnapping, three counts of possession of a weapon and two counts of possession of a schedule 1 substance. In October, officers seized controlled substances and several weapons, including brass knuckles and a collapsible baton, from the Toronto address.
On Tuesday, with assistance from South Simcoe Police Service, officers searched a Barrie home and arrested a 55-year-old man identified as a former Toronto police officer. He faces multiple charges, including four counts of unauthorized use of a computer, possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and have re-released a photo of one of the accused in hopes more people come forward.
York Regional Police
Charges listed by police
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Possession of weapon (three counts)
- Possession of a schedule 1 substance (two counts)
- Unauthorized use of a computer (four counts)
- Possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
These are allegations. The accused have not been proven guilty in court. Police continue to gather evidence as the case proceeds.
What police are asking the public to do
Investigators are asking anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim to contact York Regional Police. Tips can be made directly to the investigation unit, and anonymous reports are accepted through Crime Stoppers.
- To share information: 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6980
- Anonymous tips: Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
York police said the investigation remains active. They encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward to help identify additional victims and establish the full scope of the alleged operation.
The files will proceed through the courts. The investigation highlights how organised groups can exploit online platforms for illegal gambling and then use coercion to collect. Police agencies involved include York Regional Police and the South Simcoe Police Service, with searches and seizures taking place in Toronto and Barrie.
Police reiterated that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The public can expect updates as charges are formally processed and court appearances are scheduled.
crimeYork Regional PoliceToronto Policeextortionillegal gambling
