In December 2018, a lavish wedding ceremony in Montreal marked more than just a union of two people. It solidified the status of Martin Robert as Quebec’s top Hells Angels leader and introduced Annie Arbic as his influential partner. Their marriage became a symbol of power within the province’s crime organisé landscape.
Recent events have brought this couple back into the spotlight. In March 2023, the shooting of Leonardo Rizzuto reignited tensions between the Hells Angels and the Rizzuto clan. These conflicts, often centered around sports betting territories, have led to increased police scrutiny. Authorities have launched multiple opération efforts to curb the violence.
One such operation involved Robert’s dramatic arrest on autoroute 50. SWAT teams used rubber bullets to shatter the windows of his Volvo, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing enquête. This arrest underscores the shifting dynamics within Quebec’s underworld, where alliances and rivalries are constantly evolving.
As the Hells Angels and mafia factions navigate these changes, the story of Martin Robert and Annie Arbic remains a compelling chapter in the province’s organized crime history.
Who Are Martin Robert and Annie Arbic?
Annie Arbic’s marriage to Martin Robert in 2018 marked a turning point in the dynamics of organized crime in Quebec. Their union was not just a personal milestone but a strategic alliance that reshaped the province’s underworld. Together, they became a symbol of power and influence, navigating the complex landscape of crime organisé.
The Hells Angels’ Influential Leader
Martin Robert rose to prominence after the 2015 Magot-Mastiff operation, which dismantled the previous hierarchy of the Hells Angels. Following the death of Gregory Woolley, a power vacuum emerged, and Robert stepped into a leadership role. His influence grew steadily, and by 2023, his group was identified as a key player in the sports betting war with the Clan Rizzuto.
Police surveillance revealed meetings between Robert and members of the Rizzuto clan, often held in restaurants. These encounters highlighted the shifting alliances and rivalries within Montreal’s underworld. Despite increased scrutiny from policiers, Robert’s leadership remains a defining force in the Hells Angels.
The Woman Behind the Power
Annie Arbic’s role in this power dynamic cannot be overlooked. Her public presence grew through lavish events, including their $50,000 wedding in décembre 2018. Arbic used her social connections to consolidate alliances, playing a crucial part in strengthening Robert’s position.
Her influence extends beyond social gatherings. Arbic’s strategic mindset has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the past année, including the recent conflicts with the Rizzuto clan. Together, Robert and Arbic form a formidable duo, shaping the future of organized crime in Quebec.
The Rise of a Criminal Power Couple
The union of Martin Robert and Annie Arbic in 2018 was more than a personal milestone—it was a strategic move in Quebec’s underworld. Their marriage created opportunities for cross-group collaboration, reshaping the dynamics of organized crime in Montreal. Over the next few years, their influence grew, solidifying their position as a formidable power couple.
Their Union: A Strategic Alliance
By mars 2023, tensions between the Hells Angels and the Clan Rizzuto had escalated. The conflict, centered around sports betting territories, led to a series of violent incidents, including a tentative meurtre targeting Leonardo Rizzuto. However, by December 2023, a surprising peace pact was brokered between the two factions, confirmed by police sources.
This unexpected truce was partly driven by the shared threat posed by emerging gangs. These new groups challenged traditional networks, particularly in cocaine distribution. The alliance between Robert and Rizzuto highlighted the shifting priorities in Montreal’s underworld, where collaboration became essential to counter common enemies.
The Impact on Montreal’s Underworld
The ripple effects of this alliance were felt across the city. Local businesses, especially those in high-traffic areas, became targets of extortion schemes. The Easter 2024 shooting at a Dante Street pastry shop, linked to protection rackets, underscored the growing influence of these criminal enterprises.
This new dynamic echoes the pre-2013 era when Vito Rizzuto’s collaborations shaped the city’s crime landscape. However, the current alliance faces unique challenges, including increased police scrutiny and the rise of independent gangs. As the underworld evolves, the story of this power couple remains a central chapter in Montreal’s organized crime history.
Martin Robert’s Recent Arrest and Its Implications
A dramatic police opération on Highway 50 in April 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Quebec’s underworld. Over 20 unmarked vehicles blocked the autoroute near Grenville, leading to the arrest of a key figure. Eyewitness Isaac Fontaine captured the event, describing the scene as “intense and highly coordinated.”
The Dramatic Interpellation on Highway 50
The policiers used rented vehicles to blend in before executing their plan. They breached the ballistic windows of the suspect’s car using rubber bullets, a tactic designed to minimize risk. Traffic control measures ensured the operation proceeded smoothly, with no civilian casualties reported.
This arrest is linked to dual investigations: the Rizzuto shooting and narcotics trafficking. The ENRCO squad, known for handling high-profile cases, led the opération. Their efforts highlight the ongoing battle against organized crime in Quebec.
What This Means for the Hells Angels
The arrest raises questions about the future of the Hells Angels. If the leader faces extended incarceration, a leadership vacuum could emerge. This might shift power to regional chapters or even to his partner, Annie Arbic, who has shown strategic prowess in the past.
Such a change could alter the dynamics of Quebec’s underworld. The Hells Angels may face challenges in maintaining their influence, especially with emerging gangs disrupting traditional networks. The faits suggest that the coming months will be critical for the group’s survival.
Conclusion: The Future of Organized Crime in Montreal
The future of crime organisé in Montreal is at a critical moment, shaped by shifting alliances and emerging threats. The arrest of a key figure could disrupt the fragile truce between the Hells Angels and the Rizzuto clan. This raises questions about the stability of their collaboration in the coming année.
Emerging gangs are disrupting traditional cocaine markets, forcing established groups to adapt. As SPVM’s Renaud noted, “Groups aren’t afraid anymore—violence becomes a problem for established orgs.” This adaptability mirrors Quebec’s agricultural sector, which uses over 11,000 tons of plastic annually to innovate and survive.
Police strategies have also evolved post-Arbot-Mastiff operations, with équipes like ENRCO leading high-profile arrests. These efforts aim to curb extortion rackets and protection schemes, which continue to plague local businesses.
Amid these changes, Annie Arbic’s potential ascension in power structures could redefine the landscape. Her strategic mindset and social connections position her as a key player in the future of Montreal’s underworld.