Montreal Mafia Faces Historic Prosecution While Rival Gangs Challenge Rizzuto Dynasty
A significant legal battle is unfolding for the Rizzuto crime family, marking a pivotal moment in Canadian legal history. In the spring of 2026, law enforcement initiated "Project Alliance," resulting in the indictment of nearly the entire leadership of the Montreal Mafia on charges of homicides, gangsterism, and money laundering, with former hitman Freddy Silva providing crucial testimony. Among those incarcerated are boss Leonardo "Leo the Lawyer" Rizzuto and street boss David "Baldy" Barberio, both facing trials scheduled for September 2026. Rival factions, Arab Power and the Rap Pack Mob, have targeted Rizzuto enterprises, a conflict that has persisted into 2026. Despite their imprisonment, it is alleged that Rizzuto leaders continue to exert influence through smuggled iPhones. The family's legacy includes Nicolo's return in the late 1970s and Vito's ascent in the 1980s, accompanied by significant violence and numerous assassinations.
Key facts
- The Canadian government launched "Project Alliance" in spring 2026, the biggest Mafia prosecution in the country's history.
- Nearly the entire leadership of the Montreal Mafia faces charges including multiple homicides, gangsterism, and money laundering.
- Key defendant Leonardo "Leo the Lawyer" Rizzuto and other top figures are jailed as flight risks, with trials set for September 2026.
- The prosecution's case heavily relies on testimony from former hitman Freddy Silva, who cooperated after a bounty was placed on him.
- Rival gangs Arab Power and the Rap Pack Mob, linked to Ryan Wedding's Sinaloa Cartel, are attacking Rizzuto businesses in 2026.
- The Rizzuto dynasty was founded by Nicolo Rizzuto in the late 1970s and expanded globally by his son Vito Rizzuto.
- Vito Rizzuto pleaded guilty in the U.S. for his role in the 1981 "three captains" hit for the Bonanno crime family.
- Leonardo Rizzuto survived an assassination attempt in March 2023 and ascended to power after successors were killed in 2016.
Entities
Institutions
- The Mob Museum
- The Gangster Report
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Bonanno crime family
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
- Arab Power Gang
- Rap Pack Mob
- Black Mafia Click
Locations
- Montreal
- Canada
- Quebec
- United States
- Venezuela
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Detroit