Former Toronto City Employee Connected to Illegal Gambling Operation Headed by Ex-Hells Angels Enforcer
A Toronto city official with a long history of service has denied being a part of a Greek crime group led by a former Hells Angels hitman, as reported by the Toronto Star.
Kypros Perikleous, aged 55, occupied a prominent role in transportation services for the city. He had dedicated 37 years to the city council, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to his retirement in December, he had been on a lengthy medical leave due to a heart condition.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claim that during this time, Perikleous was involved in illegal bookmaking to enhance the capabilities of the Greek Syndicate, a criminal organization.
He has also been charged with possessing illicit proceeds worth over $5,000 and storing a firearm improperly.
At the Heart of the Organization
The police assert that Perikleous was "close enough to the center of power in the organization to warrant the criminal organization charge."
Brian Greenspan, Perikleous' lawyer, maintains his client's innocence and plans to contest the charges in court. Greenspan also mentioned that the firearms found in his client's home were legally owned and stored according to official guidelines from the RCMP.
The recent arrests were part of a larger operation in April, during which police apprehended 16 people in Toronto, Scarborough, and Vaughan. Officers seized weapons, illegal gaming devices, jewels, and more than $250,000 in cash throughout the raids.
Mob Boss on the Run
Law enforcement alleges that the leader of the network is Paris Christofouro, whose current whereabouts are unknown. Christofouro used to be a Hells Angels enforcer and was imprisoned for nine years in 2006 for a flawed shooting that left a passerby permanently disabled.
The Star reported in 2018 that there had been two attempts on Christofouro's life, resulting in him going into hiding. In August 2017, an unidentified shooter opened fire on Christoforou as he sat in his car outside a Toronto Starbucks.
Shocked Reactions
If convicted, Perikleous may face up to five years in prison for illegal bookmaking and up to two years for each of the additional two charges.
Mary-Margaret McMahon, a former councilor who is now a provincial legislator, shared with the Star her disbelief at the allegations against the man she used to work with. McMahon had fond memories of "Kyp" as someone who was"super friendly, earnest, hardworking, and eager to find solutions to help build a better city."
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Source: www.casino.org
