Luxury cars and lavish homes are just some of the items that were seized by officers in the organized crime bust.

“We seized gaming machines, ATM machines, and approximately one million dollars in cash, another one million in jewelry, including Rolex watches, for a total of approximately $35,000,000,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe.

York Regional Police launched Project Sindacat more than a year ago after they noticed a spike in crime in Vaughan. They focused on the Figliomeni family from Italy, who they allege had been operating a criminal organization in the GTA for about three decades.

Police say the group was involved in illegal gaming operations in Vaughan and had an extensive laundering system to hide the profits. “It is a resource to them that allows them to gamble large volumes of money almost undetected, as long as they stay under certain values. It’s not one person laundering money, it’s several people at a time going to the casino together,” said Det. Carl Mattinen.

Since last Friday, police have executed 48 search warrants at homes and businesses across the GTA. York police say fifteen people were arrested, including nine “key players.” Among them is alleged crime boss Angelo Figliomeni and 54-year-old Salvatore Oliveti of Oakville.

Police stress this was a multi-jurisdictional operation. Halton Regional Police say their tactical team assisted in a takedown; while Hamilton police say one of their police dogs and its handler were involved in the investigation.

York police also worked with Italian state police, who arrested 12 people in Calabria, Italy.