York Regional Police say they’ve charged nine people after wrapping up a two-year investigation into illegal gambling operations in Vaughan and Toronto. As part of the probe, officers seized gaming machines, large amounts of cash, and other assets they believe were tied to criminal activity. The announcement comes just weeks after the same police force charged a former Toronto police officer and another suspect in a separate gambling-related extortion case linked to organized crime.
The investigation, dubbed Project Scala, was led by York Regional Police’s Traditional Organized Crime Task Force. Police say it began in 2024 and focused on illegal gaming houses in both cities, as well as the people allegedly collecting money from them.
Multi-Jurisdictional Operation Project Scala Nets Arrests, Major Seizures
Full details here: https://t.co/ubrr7vqe14 pic.twitter.com/Rl618pDvvs
— York Regional Police (@YRP) February 2, 2026
On January 22, officers carried out search warrants at a home and a gaming house in Vaughan, two homes and two gaming houses in Toronto, plus a Toronto business, a storage locker, and two vehicles.
During the searches, police seized video gaming machines and related equipment, along with a large amount of cash and other assets believed to be proceeds of illegal gambling. Officers also found illicit tobacco and alcohol, a cryptocurrency wallet, silver bars and coins, vehicles, and controlled substances.
York police lay 22 charges after two-year illegal gambling investigation
Police say the accused range in age from 27 to 70 and are facing a variety of Criminal Code charges connected to illegal gambling and proceeds of crime. The most common allegations include operating or keeping a gaming or betting house, possessing money or property for gambling purposes, and possessing or trafficking property obtained by crime over $5,000. Some of the accused face additional charges, including allowing gambling machines on their premises and, in one case, drug-related offences.
Those charged are Alessandro Ortolano, 56; Giorgio Campagna, 64; Giuseppe Minaci, 61; Giuseppe Ferraro, 63; Caprice Sluman, 61; Salvatore Blanda, 50; Paul Lessis, 47; Gaspere Malfara, 70; and James Sze, 27. Altogether, they face 22 charges. Police note that the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Investigators stressed that the focus of the operation was on organized illegal gambling networks, not individual players. Police also said the investigation was supported by funding from Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, with help from Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.
Anyone with information about illegal gambling activity is encouraged to contact York Regional Police or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Featured image: York Regional Police via X
