Police seize $1 million in illegal Casino bust north of Toronto

In an operation called "end game," police began investigating underground casinos throughout Markham, Ontario.

“This is organized crime truly exploiting and demonstrating their money, their positions and opulence, thinking somehow that they are above the law,” Deputy Chief Brian Bigras said at a news conference held on Wednesday morning.

The first bust was on July 3, in a commercial unit in Toronto. Police seized around $20,000 in cash, along with gambling tables, and slot machines.

Only a few weeks later, on July 23, 32 people were arrested at a 20,000 square foot residential property in Markham, Ont. Police allege the $9 million mansions was being used as a "high-end illegal casino."

The mansion, which has 53 rooms, also contained 11 firearms with ammunition, $1 million in cash, and $1.5 million in alcohol. Police say the guns were fully loaded with a 30-round magazine.

Throughout the investigation so far, 29 individuals have been charged with a combined 74 criminal offences.

York Regional Police has now initiated a new assignment, dubbed Project Double Down. This is due to their suspicion of human sex trafficking in relation to these underground casinos.

Anyone with further information regarding this investigation is asked to contact officers at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).