Mafia-Linked Gambling Syndicate in Canada: Hells Angel Member Fatally Shot
Posted on: May 7, 2025, 06:34h. Last updated on: May 8, 2025, 10:00h.
Street Lords, Underworld Dons: The Tragic Tale of McIlquhamTragic end for "Truck," central figure in 2019's illegal gambling scandalConnections to Hells Angels and 'Ndrangheta*
In an ironic twist, Craig "Truck" McIlquham, a key player in the infamous 2019 illegal gambling bust, met a bloody demise outside a Burlington restaurant on April 29. Halton Regional Police found McIlquham, 55, riddled with bullets, and despite their best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital later that night.
McIlquham was a prime suspect in what became known as "Project Hobart," a joint investigation led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), which targeted a sprawling illegal sports betting network. Allegedly operated by members of the Hells Angels and the 'Ndrangheta, the network controlled several illicit websites, such as Ultimate SB, Titan SB, and PlaytoWin SB.
Police arrested McIlquham and fellow Hells Angels member Robert Barletta, founder of the London, Ontario chapter, as the ringleaders of the operation. They alleged the operation generated over CA$131 million (US$95.6 million) in revenue between 2014 and 2019. The network used these platforms to manage bets, launder money, and collect debt through intimidation and violence.
The Shady Empire CrumblesBoth men faced charges, including bookmaking, firearms violations, and crimes for the benefit of a criminal organization. Barletta also faced charges related to tax evasion. However, the case disintegrated in 2022 due to its massive scale – the trial was projected to take nearly 42 months, exceeding the 30-month limit in Canadian criminal law.
Despite the trial's collapse, Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General is persisting in efforts to seize the groups' assets through the province's Civil Remedies Act, which allows forfeiture in cases where convictions haven't been secured.
The Shawshank Redemption of the Italian Mob
The 'Ndrangheta, a powerful Mafia group from southern Italy, has infiltrated various international markets and taken control of 80% of the cocaine in Europe. With a presence in over 100 countries and estimated revenues of $50-100 billion yearly, the 'Ndrangheta may well be the most powerful crime syndicate globally.
Canadian authorities have long reported operational ties between the Hells Angels and the 'Ndrangheta, specifically in Ontario and Quebec. While they operate independently, they appear to collaborate in areas of mutual interest, such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Betting on Criminal ConsequencesThough specific details on direct involvement in illegal gambling operations by these groups in Canada are scant, their extensive participation in organized crime activities suggests potential links to such operations, particularly through money laundering and financial management of illegal proceeds.
[1] Musitano Crime Family. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved May 7, 2025 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Musitano-crime-family
[2] Hells Angels. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved May 7, 2025 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hells-Angels
[3] Slimmon, J. (2013, October 24). Timeline: Canada's Hells Angels. CBC News. Retrieved May 7, 2025 from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/inside-the-sea-of-fire-a-timeline-of-canada-s-hells-angels-1.1586042
- The recent demise of Craig "Truck" McIlquham, a key figure in the 2019 illegal gambling scandal, has revived discussions about thelink between illegall gambling and organized crime.
- McIlquham was allegedly connected to the Hells Angels, and the 'Ndrangheta mafia, as part of a sprawling illegal sports betting network.
- Investigators originally targeted this network under Project Hobart, accusing the groups of generating over CA$131 million in revenue and using these platforms for managing bets, money laundering, and debt collection.
- The trial regarding the illegal gambling operation collapsed in 2022 due to its enormous scale, but Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General is now attempting to seize the groups' assets through forfeiture.
- The collapse of the trial doesn't mean the end of the story, as crime-and-justice events often leave a lasting impact on the ever-evolving gambling-trends and casino-culture.
- The 'Ndrangheta, an Italian mafia group, is reported to have infiltrated the Canadian market, potentially collaborating with the Hells Angels in various criminal activities, including illegal gambling.
- Experts predict that as the casino-and-gambling industry continues to expand, so too will the involvement of organized crime elements, making general-news about crime-and-justice increasingly important.
- As we move into the future, it's crucial to stay informed about the ongoing developments in the world of organized crime, as crushing these operations is essential for preserving the integrity of casino-culture and ensuring safety for all citizens.
