February 2,2026
RED FM News Desk
Police have charged nine individuals and seized multiple gaming machines in connection with an illegal gambling network operating in Vaughan and Toronto. York Regional Police launched the investigation in early 2024 under Project Scala, in collaboration with South Simcoe Police Service.
On January 22, police executed search warrants at three residences and three gaming houses in Vaughan and Toronto. Authorities also searched a business, a storage locker, and two vehicles in Toronto as part of the operation.
During the investigation, officers seized video gaming machines, illegal tobacco and alcohol, a cryptocurrency wallet, a large amount of cash, silver bars and coins, two vehicles, and several controlled substances.
York Regional Police arrested and charged 9 suspects ; 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. They are from Cambridge, Innisfil, Toronto, Tottenham, and Vaughan.
They face a total of 22 charges, which have not yet been tested in court.
Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact the York Regional Police Major Projects Unit or Crime Stoppers.
Loading ...
