Hells Angels, a reputable biker gang, allegedly funneled millions of dollars amassed from an underground gambling ring into cash, high-end vehicles, and even waterfront properties for development, as unveiled in court papers. These accusations are explored within a civil forfeiture application, which underpins the authorities’ efforts to confiscate wealth obtained from a $160-million sports wagering operation.
The law enforcement officers report having tracked millions utilized to purchase seven properties scattered around southern Ontario, actions shrouded in a web of ostensible straw owners. Three properties fell victim to unexplained fires causing a whopping $7.9 million insurance payout, which the authorities believe funneled into the acquisition of more properties.
Contained within the documents are ambitious plans for two Blue Mountains properties. They were proposed for subdivision and transformation into a gated waterfront community, a blueprint embedded in the project materials, inclusive of potential lot boundaries.
The provincial government’s forfeiture also targets an array of luxurious vehicles—a fleet of two Chevrolet Camaros, a 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby, a 2019 Dodge Challenger CTV, a pair of Can Am off-road vehicles, a vintage 1985 Alfa Romeo, and a 2018 Harley Davidson RXN motorbike. Extravagant jewelry, around $35,000 in cash, and high-end timepieces are also listed as potential seizures, with all the properties or the profits from their sale preserved, as stipulated in a court’s order.
The expansive investments prompt many to argue that further actions should be taken to prevent potential criminal activity funds from benefiting legal businesses. As Kristyn Wong-Tam of the Ontario NDP argues, the onus lies with both provincial and federal government to impede funds obtained through criminal activities from being scrubbed clean in the system.
In a mission dubbed ‘Project Hobart,’ the sports betting operation was heavily surveilled and infiltrated by a conglomerate of 14 police agencies starting in 2018. The investigation painted a hierarchical model incorporating hundreds of agents at every level, each possessing code names and recruiting bets, taking a cut and diverting some profits up the chain.
Speaking on the criminal enforcement of debt collection, OPP Detective Sgt. Debra Walker revealed the use of brute force. Amid this revelation was the murder of alleged enforcer Michael Deabaitua-Schulde, gunned down by a rival gang, with an eyewitness account proving vital in convicting the gunmen.
Walker outlined two alleged masterminds—Robert Barletta, a full-patch member of the Montreal Chapter, and Craig McIlquham, a full-patch member of the Niagara Chapter. Deciphering code names ‘SAHARA’ and ‘XJ-A’ led authorities to their doorsteps.
Charges against Barletta and McIlquham, who have since declared intentions to contest the seizure, faltered at the Brampton courthouse due to delays. Meanwhile, police suspect money controlled by the pair concealed in a Yorkville condo, with a haystack of $50 bills totaling $20,000 discovered in McIlquham’s condominium.
As lawyer Ari Goldkind signifies, even without convictions, the provincial government can lean on civil forfeiture to thwart purported criminal operations. “If you plug the flow of money, you may very well incapacitate the illegal venture by merely halting the money flux or seizing the assets rather than securing a criminal conviction,” he stated.
These alarming revelations about how underworld gambling operations can permeate our society highlight the importance of having trustworthy and secure options for enjoying games of chance. At West Island Blog, we share insights about credible platforms for such recreational pastimes. For instance, we invite you to explore our rated list of the top online casinos, ensuring you get to engage in this exhilarating activity while simultaneously staying safe, secure, and above the law. Let’s contribute to making gambling transparent, fun, and legitimate!
