Unprecedented Suspension in Organized Crime Probe
Quebec's bar association, known as the Barreau du Québec, has taken the significant step of suspending the law license of Leonardo Rizzuto, a prominent figure linked to organized crime. The suspension, effective as of July 2, comes on the heels of Rizzuto's arrest during a major police operation targeting criminal networks in the region. Rizzuto, aged 56, is widely regarded as the head of the notorious Rizzuto crime family, following in the footsteps of his late father, Vito Rizzuto, a reputed Sicilian Mafia boss.
The decision to suspend Rizzuto's license was made under article 122.0.1 of the Code des professions, reflecting the severity of the allegations against him. This move by the Barreau du Québec underscores the legal profession's commitment to maintaining integrity, especially when members are implicated in serious criminal activities. The suspension is provisional, pending further disciplinary proceedings, but it marks a critical moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime's influence in professional spheres.
Details of Arrest and Criminal Charges
Last month, on June 12, Quebec provincial police and Montreal police conducted what they described as one of the most significant operations against organized crime in a decade. Leonardo Rizzuto was among 11 individuals arrested, with ages ranging from 27 to 57, all allegedly tied to networks involving the Mafia, Hells Angels, and street gangs. This sweeping operation spanned multiple cities and aimed to dismantle key figures in Canada's underworld.
Rizzuto faces grave charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the 2011 killing of Lorenzo Lopresti, an alleged Montreal Mafia member. Alongside six other men, Rizzuto's involvement in this case has brought renewed attention to the enduring power of the Rizzuto crime family. Additionally, his past includes a near-fatal incident in March 2023, when he survived being shot at six times while driving on Autoroute 440 in Laval, highlighting the violent environment surrounding his alleged activities.
Legacy of the Rizzuto Crime Family
The Rizzuto name has long been synonymous with organized crime in Canada, particularly in Montreal, where the family has wielded influence for decades. Leonardo, as the youngest son of Vito Rizzuto, inherited a legacy marked by allegations of drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. The family's history includes high-profile incidents like the 2006 Project Colisee operation, which targeted associates such as Francesco Del Balso, convicted of gangsterism and drug-related crimes before his violent death in June 2023 in Dorval.
This latest development with Leonardo Rizzuto's license suspension adds another chapter to the family's storied criminal saga. As legal proceedings unfold, the public and authorities alike are watching closely to see how this case might impact the broader fight against organized crime in Quebec. The Barreau du Québec's actions send a clear message that professional credentials will not shield individuals from accountability when linked to such serious accusations.