In the world of crime organisé, it’s rare for a non-Italian to rise to power within a Sicilian mafia family. Yet, one man defied this norm, becoming a pivotal figure in Montreal’s underworld. His unique position within the clan Rizzuto marked a turning point in the city’s organized crime history.
Known as a caïd, he bridged the gap between French-Canadian and Sicilian networks, a feat few could achieve. His leadership, however, sparked tensions that reshaped the power dynamics of Montreal’s criminal landscape. Between 2009 and 2011, these tensions escalated into a deadly struggle for control.
After serving 14 years for conspiracy to commit murder, he was granted conditional release in 2022. Despite claims of retirement, police remain wary of renewed conflict between factions. His story is a testament to the complexities of loyalty and power in the shadows of organized crime.
Who is Raynald Desjardins?
Montreal’s criminal landscape saw an unlikely figure rise to prominence. Breaking the traditional barriers of organized crime, he became a key player in the mafia montréalaise. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a caïd is both fascinating and complex.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Born in the 1950s, he started his criminal career in the 1970s. He quickly made a name for himself through construction industry racketeering. This period laid the foundation for his future influence in the underworld.
By the 1980s, he had established connections with powerful figures. His marriage into mafia royalty, via Joe Di Maulo, further solidified his position. This alliance opened doors to higher levels of organized crime.
Rise to Prominence in the Montreal Mafia
The 1990s marked a turning point in his career. He orchestrated a bold plan to import 700kg of cocaine from Venezuela, backed by the Hells Angels. However, the operation was foiled by an RCMP informant, leading to his arrest in 1994.
He received a 15-year peine after the “Project Jaggy” bust. Despite this setback, his influence within the mafia montréalaise continued to grow. His ability to navigate the criminal underworld was unmatched.
In September 2011, he survived an AK-47 assassination attempt. This near-fatal event escalated tensions within the mafia. It also highlighted his resilience and strategic importance in the underworld.
| Key Events | Impact |
|---|---|
| 1993 Cocaine Import Plan | Foiled by RCMP, led to 15-year sentence |
| 2011 Assassination Attempt | Escalated tensions, showcased resilience |
| 2022 Conditional Release | Marked a new chapter in his life |
In 2022, he was granted conditional release after serving 14 years for conspiracy to commit murder. Celebrating his 71st ans in 2023, he remains a figure of interest for law enforcement. His story is a testament to the complexities of loyalty and power in organized crime.
Raynald Desjardins and the Rizzuto Crime Family
Power struggles in organized crime are rarely straightforward, and Montreal’s mafia is no exception. The imprisonment of Vito Rizzuto in 2009 created a power vacuum that reshaped the city’s underworld. During this period, alliances were tested, and new partnerships emerged.
Alliances and Conflicts within the Mafia
In the absence of Rizzuto’s leadership, factions within the clan began vying for control. One of the most significant alliances formed during this time was between Desjardins and the Calabrian mafia. This partnership allowed him to consolidate power and challenge rival factions.
Another critical alliance was with the Hells Angels, facilitated by Jack Simpson. Simpson’s ties to the biker gang provided Desjardins with protection during the escalating guerre for dominance. These strategic partnerships were essential in navigating the treacherous landscape of organized crime.
Desjardins’ Strategic Role in the Underworld
Desjardins’ ability to build coalitions was matched by his influence in key industries. Construction and drug trafficking networks remained under his control, ensuring a steady flow of resources. Despite claims of retirement, his presence continued to loom large over Montreal’s underworld.
In October 2011, a wedding attended by key figures drew significant police surveillance. This event highlighted the ongoing tensions and the potential for further conflict. Reports from 2021 predicted a “war to the finish” between Desjardins’ faction and the Rizzuto loyalists.
| Key Alliances | Impact |
|---|---|
| Calabrian Mafia | Strengthened Desjardins’ position |
| Hells Angels | Provided protection during conflicts |
| Construction Networks | Ensured financial stability |
Desjardins’ role as a parrain figure in the underworld remains a subject of intrigue. His ability to navigate alliances and conflicts underscores the complexities of loyalty and power in organized crime.
The Murder of Salvatore Montagna
The underworld of Montreal witnessed a pivotal moment in novembre 2011. The meurtre of Salvatore Montagna, a former Bonanno crime family boss, marked a dramatic escalation in the city’s mafia conflicts. This event was not just a killing but a carefully orchestrated complot meurtre that revealed the fragility of alliances in organized crime.
The Plot and Execution
On November 24, 2011, Montagna was lured to a meeting under the guise of peace talks. The setup took place near the Langelier metro station, where he was ambushed. Fleeing through shattered patio glass, Montagna collapsed on the Charlemagne riverbank, fatally wounded by a .357 Magnum.
Investigators later uncovered incriminating messages between conspirators, detailing the plan. A Glock 27, sourced from Florida and tied to Annette Wexler, was found hidden in a sofa during a raid in décembre 2011. These findings provided critical evidence linking the weapons to the crime.
Aftermath and Legal Consequences
The fallout from the murder was swift. Jack Simpson, a key conspirator, was captured while fleeing to Mexico. He received a 10-year sentence for his role in the complot meurtre. Despite overwhelming evidence, some defendants secured reduced sentences through plea deals.
This meurtre not only eliminated a rival but also intensified the power struggle within Montreal’s underworld. The death of Salvatore Montagna remains a stark reminder of the brutal realities of organized crime.
Conclusion
The legacy of organized crime in Quebec continues to evolve, shaped by key figures and unresolved tensions. Despite his libération in 2022, law enforcement remains vigilant, monitoring his activities closely. His influence on the clan dynamics and criminal power structures persists, even as he approaches his 71st ans.
Modern trends in crime organisé, such as drone smuggling and prison networks, highlight the adaptability of these groups. The unresolved conflicts with Rizzuto loyalists suggest the potential for renewed violence. As factions vie for control, the question of succession looms large, given his advanced age and the fragile alliances within the underworld.
His story underscores the enduring complexities of loyalty and power in organized crime. While his peine may have ended, the shadows of his past continue to shape Quebec’s criminal landscape.