Organized Crime in Canada – Major Syndicates and Their Impact

Organized crime in Canada is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue that poses a significant threat to public safety, economic stability, and social well-being.

It encompasses various criminal groups that operate both locally and internationally, engaging in activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and violent crimes

Major syndicates like Italian Mafia families, outlaw motorcycle gangs, Asian organized crime groups, and Indigenous gangs have established strong footholds in different regions of the country, each bringing unique challenges to law enforcement and society.

The impact of organized crime is profound and multifaceted, with drug trafficking alone contributing to over 50,000 opioid-related deaths since 2016.

Additionally, organized crime accounts for approximately 20-23% of homicides in recent years, with gang-related violence posing ongoing risks to public safety.

Money laundering activities, estimated at $43 billion in suspected cases in 2023-24, undermine the integrity of the financial system and fuel further criminal enterprises.

Major Organized Crime Syndicates in Canada

1. Italian Mafia Families

Italian Mafia families have long been a formidable force in Canada’s organized crime landscape, particularly in Montreal and Hamilton.

These families have historical connections to Italian crime syndicates and are deeply involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime.

Rizzuto Crime Family (Montreal)

The Rizzuto family is considered the most powerful Mafia organization in Canada. Founded by Vito Rizzuto, this family controls vast drug trafficking operations, extortion rackets, and money laundering schemes.

Their dominance in Montreal’s criminal underworld has been challenged over the years by rival factions and internal power struggles.

Cotroni Crime Family (Montreal)

The Cotroni family, once the dominant Mafia group in Montreal, had strong ties to the Bonanno crime family in New York.

Although weakened by internal conflicts and law enforcement crackdowns, they remain involved in drug distribution and contract killings.

Musitano Family (Hamilton)

Sources confirm that Traditional Organized Crime is involved in the earlier double shooting in Burlington. Vehicles owned/operated by the Musitano family were involved in the incident. The victim is believed to be Hamilton Mob boss Pasquale (Pat) Musitano. https://t.co/SyT8ukjv5a pic.twitter.com/BoN3cudqAL

— Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) July 10, 2020

Operating out of Hamilton, Ontario, the Musitano family has been linked to drug trafficking, extortion, and organized violence.

Their involvement in contract killings and territorial disputes with other Mafia factions has drawn significant law enforcement attention.

Papalia Family (Hamilton)

Another key player in Hamilton’s underworld, the Papalia family, is known for its involvement in international drug smuggling, including the infamous French Connection network.

Their operations extend beyond Ontario, leveraging global connections to facilitate large-scale drug distribution.

Commisso ‘Ndrina (Greater Toronto Area)

As a clan of the ‘Ndrangheta, the Commisso family has established a strong presence in the GTA. They are involved in international drug trafficking, taking advantage of family ties in Italy, the United States, and Australia to orchestrate large shipments of cocaine and other narcotics.

2. Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

Outlaw motorcycle gangs are another prominent force in Canadian organized crime, with the Hells Angels being the most notorious and influential.

Hells Angels

The Hells Angels are the largest outlaw motorcycle gang in Canada, with chapters in every province, particularly concentrated in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Known for their involvement in drug trafficking, particularly cocaine and methamphetamine, the Hells Angels also engage in extortion and violent crimes.

Their dominance within the Canadian criminal underworld has sparked violent conflicts, such as the Quebec Biker War, which resulted in over 160 deaths according to some data.

Other Notable Motorcycle Gangs

While the Hells Angels dominate the scene, other motorcycle gangs like the Outlaws, Rock Machine, and Bandidos also operate in various regions.

These gangs often clash over territory and drug distribution networks, leading to brutal turf wars.

3. Asian Organized Crime Groups

Asian organized crime groups, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, have established significant operations in major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto.

Big Circle Boys

Originally formed by former Red Guards from China, the Big Circle Boys are one of the most sophisticated and secretive crime groups in Canada.

They are heavily involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling, leveraging small, independent cells to evade detection. Recently, they have been linked to the fentanyl crisis, contributing significantly to the opioid epidemic.

Triads

Triads, traditional Chinese organized crime syndicates, are involved in a variety of illegal activities, including drug distribution, human trafficking, and extortion.

Their presence is most strongly felt in Vancouver, where they maintain alliances with other criminal groups to extend their reach.

4. Indigenous Organized Crime Groups

Indigenous gangs, such as the Manitoba Warriors, primarily operate in prairie provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

These groups are often characterized by less formal structures but are among the most violent street gangs in Canada.

Manitoba Warriors (Winnipeg)

The Manitoba Warriors are heavily involved in drug trafficking, particularly within Indigenous communities, and are known for violent confrontations with rival gangs.

They also have a significant presence within federal prisons, reflecting ongoing struggles within marginalized communities.

The Devastating Impact of Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking remains one of the most destructive aspects of organized crime, directly contributing to Canada’s opioid crisis. The introduction of fentanyl and its analogs into the drug supply has led to a catastrophic rise in opioid-related deaths.

Opioid-Related Deaths (2016-2024)

Money Laundering and Financial Crime

Money laundering is crucial for organized crime, as it legitimizes illicit gains through financial institutions and real estate. In 2023-24, FINTRAC reported suspected money laundering activities worth approximately $43 billion.

Financial Intelligence Disclosures (2023-24)

These staggering figures reflect how money laundering fuels further criminal activities, corrupting financial markets and undermining economic stability.

Gang-Related Violence and Homicides

The data reveals a consistently high percentage of gang-related homicides, ranging from 19.76% to 23.55% of all homicides annually.

This pattern underscores the persistent challenge posed by organized crime-related violence, particularly in urban areas like Toronto and Montreal, according to Statistique Canada.

Conclusion

Organized crime in Canada is not just a law enforcement problem—it’s a societal crisis. The diverse and deeply rooted criminal networks undermine public safety, fuel violence, and destabilize the economy.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement strategies, community engagement, and social programs to reduce vulnerabilities. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on Canadian society.