Investigators from the York Regional Police Traditional Organized Crime Task Force (TOCTF) have charged nine suspects and seized gaming machines, illicit tobacco and alcohol, controlled substances and proceeds of crime following a two-year investigation dubbed Project Scala.
Beginning in 2024, officers launched an investigation into illegal gambling operations in the cities of Vaughan and Toronto. TOCTF, in collaboration with South Simcoe Police Service, identified suspects responsible for collecting money from these illegal gambling establishments.
On January 22, 2026, search warrants were executed at a residence and a gaming house in Vaughan, as well as at two residences and two gaming houses in Toronto. Additional warrants were carried out at a business and at a storage locker in Toronto, along with two motor vehicles.
As a result of these warrants, investigators seized video gaming machines and related accessories, illicit tobacco and alcohol, a large quantity of bulk currency, a crypto wallet, silver bars and coins, two vehicles and a quantity of controlled substances.
See attached Charge List.
The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Major Projects Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6970. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 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
24-281153
February 2, 2026
