Posted on Thursday November 13, 2025
Investigators with the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, have charged an additional suspect in connection with an ongoing extortion investigation.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the suspect 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 Thursday, October 16, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Toronto and seized a quantity of controlled substances, brass knuckles, a collapsible baton, ammunition, and a quantity of Canadian and American currency.
Investigators are releasing a photo of the suspect as they believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward. The suspect is commonly known as Frank or “Frank the Tank”.
Charged: - Thomas PHIPPARD, 47, of Toronto
| Charges: - Kidnapping
- Extortion x2
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Commission of Offence for Criminal Organization
- Possession of a Weapon x3
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance x2
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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
November 13, 2025
