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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Blue Mountains, ON - The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), is proud to announce that the 2025 OACP AGCO Award for Outstanding Investigation has been awarded to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for Project Olegacy, a highly complex and impactful investigation led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Greater Toronto Area (CFSEU-GTA).
Launched in early 2022, Project Olegacy was a major investigative initiative targeting a violent organized crime group operating illegal online sports betting and gaming cafes in Toronto’s east end. The criminal organization was linked to serious violent crimes including homicides, shootings, and arsons, all aimed at asserting territorial control and enforcing financial discipline.
Through a coordinated and innovative investigative approach—including surveillance, confidential informants, undercover operators, and a judicially authorized wiretap—the RCMP team successfully infiltrated the organization’s operations. The team hacked into the illegal sportsbook’s infrastructure, uncovering more than $9.75 million in illicit earnings over a six-year period and revealing a shadow economy driven by the collection of interest on gambling debts.
The scope of Project Olegacy was extensive. On March 27, 2024, law enforcement executed 21 Criminal Code search warrants, seizing 89 gaming machines, $360,000 in cash, gold bullion, rare coins, foreign currency, and 19 firearms. The operation led to charges against the group’s leadership for criminal organization offences, as well as numerous gaming and bookmaking-related charges against others involved in the network.
In addition to dismantling the organization’s infrastructure, Project Olegacy uncovered evidence of municipal corruption and referred matters to the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) for further investigation. The Canada Revenue Agency also launched a parallel investigation into the financial aspects of the organization.
Throughout the operation, RCMP investigators collaborated closely with the AGCO, whose guidance and support were instrumental in navigating the gaming-related elements of the case. The investigation not only disrupted organized criminal activity but also contributed to lasting community safety and trust through continued engagement with local Toronto Police Service units.
The OACP and AGCO commend all those involved in Project Olegacy for their outstanding contribution to law enforcement and community wellbeing.
This annual award is made possible by the generous support from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
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Please direct media inquiries to:
Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Government Relations and Communications
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
416-919-9798
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