Montreal, Canada — The Barreau du Québec has suspended the law license of attorney Leonardo Rizzuto as of July 2, following his arrest in a significant organized crime investigation. Rizzuto, 56, who has been practicing law since 1999 in Montreal and Laval, is the youngest son of the late Vito Rizzuto, a notorious figure who once led Montreal’s Mafia.
Rizzuto is believed to be the current leader of the Rizzuto crime family, which has a longstanding history in organized crime. His arrest came during a major police operation known as “Project Alliance.” This extensive investigation, which has been ongoing for three years, involved around 150 officers from the Montreal Police (SPVM) and the Sûreté du Québec, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals aged 27 to 57 with alleged connections to the Italian Mafia, Hells Angels, and various street gangs.
Among the charges filed against Rizzuto and six other suspects are first-degree murder and conspiracy related to the 2011 murder of Lorenzo Lopresti, another alleged member of the Montreal Mafia. All individuals apprehended are accused of being involved in a series of violent crimes, including multiple murders and attempted murders, spanning from 2011 to 2021.
According to Article 122.0.1 of Quebec’s Code of Professions, any lawyer facing charges that could carry a sentence of five years or more is subject to an automatic license suspension to maintain public trust. The Barreau du Québec’s disciplinary council moved quickly following Rizzuto’s charges, enforcing the provisional suspension that prohibits him from practicing law or using the title of “lawyer.”
The Rizzuto name carries significant weight in organized crime history, with the family’s legacy rooted in the leadership of Nicolo Rizzuto, who took control of Montreal’s Sicilian Mafia in the 1970s during violent conflicts. Vito Rizzuto, nicknamed the “Teflon Don,” led the crime family’s network until his death in 2013.
During a news conference, Sûreté du Québec Chief Inspector Marc Charbonneau characterized the series of arrests as a substantial setback for organized crime, calling it one of the most crucial operations in recent decades. Deputy Director Benoit Dubé highlighted the investigation’s importance, particularly for the families affected by the violence, stating, “Every act of violence … police joined together … to give some answers back to the families.”
Retired detective André Gélinas noted the symbolism of Rizzuto’s arrest, indicating it could signify a significant change in the leadership dynamics of the Rizzuto organization.
The ongoing investigation raises critical questions about the stability of organized crime in the region and the impact of law enforcement efforts on dismantling these criminal networks. As authorities uncover more information, the community remains vigilant about the implications of these developments for public safety.
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