GTA Police Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Rings

Canadian Police in the Greater Toronto Area say they have broken up a series of illegal gambling operations after a year-long investigation that ended with nine people charged and a wide range of property seized.

Project Scala

York Regional Police said the probe, known as Project Scala, began in early 2024 and was carried out alongside South Simcoe Police. Investigators focused on gambling houses operating in Vaughan and Toronto and say they were able to track a group of people accused of collecting money from the underground operations.

The investigation reached a turning point on January 22, when officers executed search warrants at six locations tied to the alleged ring. Those included three homes and three gaming houses in Vaughan and Toronto. 

Police also searched a business, a storage locker, and two vehicles in Toronto as part of the same operation.

According to investigators, the searches turned up a significant haul. Officers seized video gaming machines and related equipment, along with illegal tobacco and alcohol. They also took possession of a cryptocurrency wallet, a large amount of cash, silver bars and coins, two vehicles, and what police described as an undisclosed quantity of controlled substances.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty: 22 Total Charges

As a result of the operation, nine people from communities across southern Ontario were charged. The accused come from Cambridge, Innisfil, Toronto, Tottenham, and Vaughan. 

Police identified them as A.O., 56, G.C., 64, G.M., 61, G.F., 63, C.S., 61, S.B., 50, P.L., 47, G.M., 70, and J.S., 27.

Together, the group faces a total of 22 charges related to the alleged gambling activity. Police emphasized that the charges have not been proven in court and that all accused are presumed innocent.

Investigators say illegal gambling operations can often be tied to other forms of crime and pose risks to surrounding communities. They also noted that these types of cases typically rely on tips from the public as well as long-term surveillance and financial tracking. York Regional Police are asking anyone who may have additional information about the alleged gambling rings to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Major Projects Unit or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.