A Barrie man is facing multiple charges following an extortion investigation being carried out by the South Simcoe Police Service in partnership with York Regional Police.
Investigators say the case involves an organized crime group connected to unlawful gaming and betting activity between January 2024 and October 2025. Victims were allegedly given access to online gaming platforms where bets were placed on credit. When losses occurred, victims were required to repay debts in cash, sometimes at inflated amounts, and were allegedly subjected to threats and violence to force payment.
On Tuesday, January 13th, South Simcoe Police officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Barrie, where a 55-year-old man was arrested. Police have identified the accused as John Madeley of Barrie, a former Toronto Police officer.
Madeley has been charged with breach of trust, four counts of unauthorized use of a computer, possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place, two counts of possession of a prohibited device, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
The investigation also resulted in additional charges against 47-year-old Thomas Phippard of Toronto, who was arrested a day earlier following a search warrant in Toronto. Phippard is charged with three counts of extortion and uttering threats. Investigators say he is commonly known as “Frank” or “Frank the Tank,” and believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6980, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
