Posted on Wednesday January 14, 2026
Investigators with the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, in partnership with the South Simcoe Police Service, have charged an additional suspect and laid additional charges in connection with an ongoing extortion investigation.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the suspects worked with an organized crime group responsible for unlawful gaming and betting activities. The crime group allowed access to gaming websites where victims placed bets on credit. When victims lost their bets, they were required to settle their debts in cash, sometimes in exaggerated amounts. The suspect used threats and violence to intimidate victims in order to collect payment.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, investigators executed an additional search warrant at a residence in the City of Toronto, resulting in Thomas PHIPPARD being charged with further counts of extortion.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Barrie where a 55-year-old man was arrested and charged. He has since been identified as a former Toronto Police officer.
Investigators are re-releasing a photo of PHIPPARD as they believe there may be additional victims and encourage them to come forward. He is commonly known as Frank or “Frank the Tank”.
Charged: - Thomas PHIPPARD, 47, of the City of Toronto
| Charges: - Extortion x3
- Utter Threats
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- John Madeley, 55, of the City of Barrie
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- Breach of Trust
- Unauthorized Use of Computer x4
- Possession of Firearm at Unauthorized Place
- Possession of Prohibited Device x 2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
|
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6980. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
25-344271
January 14, 2026
