Organized crime investigators executed a dozen search warrants in Toronto and York Region aimed at dismantling an illegal video-gaming operation, police say.

“The presence of organized crime groups brings an element of criminality to our communities that is not acceptable,” said Supt. Keith Finn, officer in charge of CFSEU and Serious and Organized Crime in the GTA.

“Illegal gaming lines the pockets of organized crime groups and puts our citizens at risk,” Finn said.

The mid-afternoon raids on Thursday resulted in the seizure of 74 illegal gaming machines and roughly $200,000 in cash.

“The seizure of the illegal gaming machines will have a significant impact on the criminal organization’s flow of money and operations,” the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit said in a prepared statement.

“Illegal gaming machines are a major source of revenue for organized crime groups and this revenue facilitates further criminal activities that pose a pervasive threat to Canadian communities,” the statement continued.

Served with search warrants in Toronto were Via Consenza Bar Café, 14 MacKay Ave.; 1248 Café, 1248 St. Clair Ave. W.; Capri Café, 1703 St. Clair Ave. W.; York Centre Café, 2408 Dufferin St.; Azzurri Social Club, 2184 Eglinton Ave. W.; Per Tutti Café, 1988 Eglinton Ave. W.; Tre-Sette Social Club, 1974 Eglinton Ave. W.; In Tre Café, 351 Marlee Ave.; Café 513, 513 Marlee Ave.; Prima Tazz Sports bar, 1310 St. Clair Ave. W.

Served with a search warrant in York Region was Café Corretto, 120 Winges Rd., Vaughan.