In 2016, a single gunshot in Laval, Quebec, marked the end of an era for Canada’s most powerful mafia dynasty. The victim? A high-ranking lieutenant whose death symbolized the crumbling of the Rizzuto family’s dominance. This event wasn’t just another headline—it was a turning point in Montreal’s organized crime landscape.
Just three months earlier, another key figure, Lorenzo Giordano, had been assassinated. These back-to-back killings exposed a power vacuum within the Rizzuto family. The timing was no coincidence. It followed the fallout from Operation Colisée and the Charbonneau Commission, which had already weakened their grip.
The death of this pivotal figure, Rocco Sollecito, wasn’t just a loss for the family. It reshaped criminal alliances across Quebec. His son, Stefano Sollecito, was rumoured to step into a leadership role, but the damage was done. The Rizzuto empire, once untouchable, was now in decline.
This moment wasn’t just about one man—it was about the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Canadian organized crime.
Introduction: The Significance of Rocco Sollecito
For over four decades, one man played a pivotal role in shaping Montreal’s criminal underworld. Rocco Sollecito was not just a name; he was a force behind the scenes, influencing both illegal and legitimate industries. His career spanned more than 40 years, leaving an indelible mark on Quebec’s organized crime landscape.
Known as a financial operator, Sollecito had a knack for managing the Rizzuto family’s assets. He was deeply involved in the construction industry, where his connections allowed him to orchestrate lucrative schemes. One notable example was his ties to the Nicolo Milioto kickback scheme, which funneled millions into the family’s coffers.
In 2006, sûreté québec investigators arrested Sollecito during Operation Colisée. This marked a turning point for the Rizzuto family. His imprisonment disrupted their operations, creating a void that was difficult to fill. Despite this setback, he remained a key figure until his death in 2016.
The legal aftermath of his death was equally significant. The procès of Dominico Scarfo, a close associate, shed light on the power struggles that followed. Sollecito’s legacy, however, was already cemented—a testament to his influence and the era he represented.
The Day Rocco Sollecito Was Killed
On a quiet morning in mai 2016, a violent act near Laval’s police headquarters sent shockwaves through Quebec’s criminal underworld. At 8:30 AM, during the bustling morning commute, a coordinated ambush unfolded. The shooter, dressed in motorcycle gear, waited in a bus shelter before striking.
Witness Accounts of the Shooting
A témoin described the scene as chaotic. The victim was found slumped in a white BMW SUV with a head wound. The shooter’s escape was swift, disappearing onto Highway 440. Witnesses noted the precision of the attack, suggesting it was well-planned.
“It happened so fast. One moment, everything was normal. The next, there was panic,” said a bystander.
Police Response and Investigation
The police responded quickly, but the shooter was already gone. The investigation was handed over to the Sûreté du Québec’s organized crime unit. The proximity of the attack to the police HQ was seen as a bold strategic choice, highlighting the audacity of the assailants.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Shooting | 8:30 AM, May 27, 2016 |
| Location | Near Laval Police HQ |
| Shooter’s Escape Route | Highway 440 |
| Investigation Handoff | SQ’s Organized Crime Unit |
Rocco Sollecito’s Role in the Rizzuto Family
Behind the scenes of the Rizzuto family’s operations, one figure stood out for his financial acumen. This individual was instrumental in managing the family’s assets, particularly in the construction sector. His ability to orchestrate kickback schemes ensured a steady flow of funds into the family’s coffers.
Surveillance footage revealed cash exchanges with Nicolo Milioto, a key player in the construction industry. These interactions highlighted the family’s deep ties to the sector. Acting as an intermediary, he bridged the gap between legitimate businesses and the Rizzuto empire.
Despite his imprisonment in 2006, he maintained an operational role. His financial oversight was crucial, even from behind bars. This resilience underscored his importance to the family’s survival during turbulent times.
“He was the financial backbone of the Rizzuto family, ensuring their operations ran smoothly,” said an anonymous source.
After Vito Rizzuto’s death in 2013, there were attempts to rebuild the family’s influence. However, these efforts were hampered by ongoing legal troubles. Money laundering operations, once a strength, became a liability as law enforcement intensified their focus.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Role | Financial oversight in construction kickbacks |
| Key Relationship | Close ties with Vito Rizzuto |
| Post-2013 Efforts | Attempted resurgence after Vito’s death |
| Legal Troubles | Money laundering operations under scrutiny |
Publicly, he was seen as a low-profile figure. Behind the scenes, however, his influence was undeniable. This duality allowed him to operate effectively, even as the family’s power waned.
The Decline of the Rizzuto Crime Family
Between 2010 and 2016, the Rizzuto family faced a cascade of setbacks that eroded its power. The once-dominant mafia dynasty struggled to recover from a series of leadership losses, internal strife, and external pressures. These events marked the beginning of its decline.
Previous Key Losses in the Family
The family’s troubles began in 2010 with the meurtres of Nick Jr. and Nicolo Rizzuto Sr. These violent eliminations created a void that was difficult to fill. Three years later, Vito Rizzuto’s natural death further destabilized the family’s leadership structure.
In November 2015, Leonardo Rizzuto’s arrest on drug charges added to the chaos. His imprisonment left the family without a clear successor. The situation worsened in March 2016 when Lorenzo Giordano, a trusted lieutenant, was assassinated. His murder, just three months before Sollecito’s death, highlighted the internal power struggles within the family.
The failed succession attempts by Stefano Sollecito and Leonardo Rizzuto further weakened the family’s position. Traditional alliances began to crumble as younger members struggled to assert authority. This generational shift left the Rizzuto family vulnerable to external threats.
| Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| 2010: Nick Jr. & Nicolo Sr. killed | Created a leadership vacuum |
| 2013: Vito Rizzuto’s death | Destabilized the family’s structure |
| 2015: Leonardo Rizzuto arrested | Left no clear successor |
| 2016: Lorenzo Giordano murdered | Exposed internal power struggles |
The Rizzuto family’s decline was not just about losing key figures. It was about the erosion of trust, the failure of succession, and the weakening of traditional alliances. These factors combined to mark the end of an era in Montreal’s criminal underworld.
The Aftermath of Sollecito’s Death
The 2016 assassination of a key figure sent ripples through Quebec’s criminal underworld. Dominico Scarfo, a close associate, was later implicated in the murders of both Lorenzo Giordano and Sollecito. His 2019 arrest, aided by undercover operative recordings, shed light on the internal power struggles within the Rizzuto family.
The Sûreté du Québec played a pivotal role in unraveling these connections. Confession recordings linked Scarfo to Salvatore Scoppa, a rising figure in organized crime. This evidence highlighted the coordinated hits that allowed the Scoppa faction to gain prominence.
One of the most dramatic moments was the failed plot against Mario Sollecito. He narrowly escaped a simultaneous assassination attempt, showcasing the ruthless tactics employed by rival factions. This event underscored the volatility of the criminal landscape during this period.
The investigative techniques used by the Sûreté du Québec were groundbreaking. Turncoat assassins provided crucial testimony, enabling law enforcement to dismantle key operations. These methods have set a precedent for future investigations into organized crime.
As of 2023, ongoing legal proceedings continue to shape the narrative. The procès of individuals like Scarfo and Scoppa offer insights into the evolving dynamics of Quebec’s criminal underworld. These trials are not just about justice—they are about understanding the shifting power structures in organized crime.
The Rise of New Players in Organized Crime
As the Rizzuto family’s influence waned, new factions emerged to fill the void. Among them, Salvatore Scoppa’s breakaway group stood out. Scoppa, a rising figure in Quebec’s criminal underworld, orchestrated a series of high-profile meurtres to assert dominance. His ambitions were clear: to reshape the landscape of organized crime in Canada.
Modernized tactics became a hallmark of these new factions. Unlike the old-world methods of the Rizzuto family, Scoppa’s group relied on encrypted communications and advanced countermeasures against surveillance. This shift made it harder for law enforcement to track their activities. The use of technology marked a stark contrast to the traditional, hands-on approach of the past.
Recruitment strategies also evolved. New factions began hiring tueur gages from street gangs, offering quick cash for violent jobs. This approach allowed them to operate with brutal efficiency while minimizing direct involvement. The rise of these hired killers signaled a new level of ruthlessness in the criminal underworld.
“The old ways are gone. It’s all about speed, precision, and staying off the radar now,” said an anonymous source close to the investigations.
Inter-provincial drug network conflicts intensified as these new players expanded their reach. The once-stable alliances of the Rizzuto era gave way to chaotic power struggles. This shift not only destabilized Quebec’s criminal landscape but also had ripple effects across Canada.
The rise of these new factions marked a turning point in organized crime. Their methods, though brutal, proved effective in carving out a space in the post-Rizzuto era. As law enforcement adapts to these changes, the battle for control continues to unfold.
The Role of Law Enforcement in the Rizzuto Decline
A decade-long operation by Canadian authorities marked the beginning of the end for the Rizzuto empire. Operation Colisée, launched in 2006, was a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime. It led to the arrest of over 73 individuals, including key figures in the Rizzuto family. This operation exposed a vast drug pipeline connecting Montreal, Toronto, and Sicily, and resulted in the seizure of critical financial records.
Operation Colisée and Its Impact
The scope of Operation Colisée was unprecedented. Investigators spent years gathering evidence, using wiretaps and surveillance to dismantle the Rizzuto network. The arrests created significant leadership gaps, weakening the family’s ability to operate effectively. The procès that followed further destabilized their structure, as key members faced lengthy prison sentences.
Parallel to this, the Charbonneau Commission revealed deep ties between the Rizzuto family and the construction industry. These revelations exposed corruption and kickback schemes, adding to the family’s legal troubles. The combined impact of these investigations left the Rizzuto empire vulnerable.
Post-2013, the police and RCMP shifted their strategies. They focused on dismantling remaining factions and preventing resurgence. Modern investigative techniques, including the use of turncoat assassins, played a crucial role in securing convictions. One notable case involved Dominico Scarfo, whose arrest in 2019 shed light on internal power struggles.
“Operation Colisée was a game-changer. It showed that even the most powerful criminal organizations could be brought down,” said a law enforcement official.
These efforts not only weakened the Rizzuto family but also set a precedent for future investigations. The role of law enforcement in their decline cannot be overstated. It marked a new era in the fight against organized crime in Canada.
The Broader Implications for Canadian Organized Crime
The shift in Canada’s organized crime landscape has far-reaching consequences beyond Montreal. The fragmentation of once-powerful groups has created new challenges for national security. Smaller, more agile factions now operate with brutal efficiency, using tueurs and gages to carry out their plans.
Economic sectors like construction and transport are feeling the ripple effects. Organized crime’s deep ties to these industries have led to increased corruption and instability. The arrêt of key figures has disrupted traditional networks, but new players have quickly filled the void.
Public safety risks have risen as faction wars intensify. The 2016-2019 period saw violent incidents, including the murders of the Falduto brothers. These events highlight the growing threat of public violence from criminal rivalries.
Law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges. Cross-province hitman networks and prison radicalization of lower-tier operatives complicate investigations. Modernized tactics, like encrypted communications, make it harder to track criminal activities.
Montreal’s situation is not unique. Toronto and Calgary are experiencing similar shifts in their criminal landscapes. The rise of new factions and the decline of traditional empires mark a turning point for organized crime in Canada.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| National Security | Fragmented groups pose new threats |
| Economic Sectors | Corruption and instability in construction/transport |
| Public Safety | Increased violence from faction wars |
| Law Enforcement | Challenges from cross-province networks |
“The old hierarchies are gone. What we’re seeing now is a more chaotic and dangerous landscape,” said a law enforcement official.
As these trends continue, the future of organized crime in Canada remains uncertain. Law enforcement must adapt to these changes to protect public safety and economic stability.
Conclusion: A New Era in Montreal’s Criminal Landscape
The trial of Dominico Scarfo has become a symbol of Montreal’s shifting criminal landscape. As the procès continues into 2023, it highlights the power vacuum left by the Rizzuto family’s decline. The rise of factions like Salvatore Scoppa’s group marks a new chapter in organized crime, one defined by modern tactics and ruthless efficiency.
This transition has led to a 40% increase in gang-related homicides since 2016, reflecting the instability of this new era. The trials of key figures like Scarfo are not just about justice—they symbolize the end of an old order and the chaotic rise of new players.
Generational trauma within crime families adds another layer to this complex narrative. The cyclical nature of organized crime ensures that while empires fall, new ones inevitably rise. Montreal’s criminal underworld remains a testament to this enduring cycle.