Massive Police Operation Targets Montreal Mafia
In a sweeping operation described as the most significant crackdown on organized crime in Quebec in over a decade, authorities arrested Leonardo Rizzuto, the alleged head of the Montreal Mafia, on June 12. Rizzuto, the youngest son of the late reputed Sicilian Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto, was among 11 individuals apprehended during early morning raids across multiple cities, including Montreal, Laval, and Quebec City. The operation, dubbed Project Alliance, involved nearly 150 officers from the Montreal police (SPVM) and the Quebec provincial police (SQ), targeting key figures linked to the Mafia, Hells Angels, and street gangs.
The arrests are tied to a series of violent crimes, including six murders and several attempted murders that occurred between 2011 and 2021. Police allege that Rizzuto and other suspects, such as Stefano Sollecito, another prominent figure in the Montreal Mafia, played central roles in these homicides. Authorities believe this operation will significantly destabilize organized crime networks not only in Quebec but across Canada.
Details of Project Alliance and Key Suspects
Project Alliance represents a coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement agencies to dismantle the leadership of Canada's most powerful Mafia group, the Rizzuto crime family. The investigation uncovered evidence linking the arrested individuals to long-standing criminal activities, with charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy. Leonardo Rizzuto was taken into custody at his home in Laval, a suburb of Montreal, marking a major blow to the family that has dominated organized crime in the region for decades.
Among the other suspects charged are men ranging in age from 27 to 57, reflecting a mix of veteran criminals and younger associates. A key element of the investigation reportedly involves information provided by a contract killer turned informant, whose cooperation may have been pivotal in connecting Rizzuto and others to the murders. Law enforcement officials emphasized the scale of the operation, noting that search warrants were executed in eight municipalities as part of the raids.
Impact on Organized Crime in Canada
The arrest of Leonardo Rizzuto and his alleged associates is seen as a critical step in curbing the influence of the Rizzuto crime family, which has been a dominant force in Canadian organized crime since the late 20th century. Historically, the family has been linked to various illegal enterprises, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering, with influence extending beyond Quebec into Ontario and other regions. This latest operation follows years of law enforcement efforts to dismantle their network after the death of Vito Rizzuto in 2013, which had already weakened the family's grip on power.
Police officials expressed optimism that Project Alliance will disrupt criminal activities on a broader scale, potentially weakening alliances between the Mafia and other groups like the Hells Angels. While the long-term effects remain to be seen, this crackdown sends a clear message to organized crime figures in Canada that law enforcement is intensifying its efforts to bring them to justice. The case continues to unfold as the suspects face serious charges in court, with further details expected to emerge in the coming weeks.