The Ontario-wide bust of a “sophisticated†illegal gaming operation allegedly involving Hells Angels members has led to 28 people facing a combined 228 charges. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police, along with 18 province-wide partner agencies, seized millions of dollars’ worth of goods while shutting down a “lucrative online and traditional gaming enterprise involving members of known organized crime groups.â€
'Sophisticated' illegal gaming operation allegedly linked to Hells Angels leads to more than 200 charges
Some of you might remember the Platinum Sportsbook takedown in Ontario, also run by the Hells Angels ..
This piece is from Adrian Humphrey's article last week in which he wrote about Barletta's takedown and court appearance last Friday but at the time of writing, Humphry's didn't know what was really going on as Police wouldn't comment until today....
Ontario's 'Teflon Biker' arrested on gun charges as part of unannounced probe targeting Hells Angels
Barletta was dubbed the “Teflon biker†in London, because of his reputation for successfully avoiding charges, including for an alleged role in a $103-million illegal sports betting ring. He became a full-patch member of the Hells Angels in Toronto in 2002 and then became a founding member of the London chapter in 2003. According to evidence filed at a provincial tribunal, Barletta served as president of the London chapter at least until 2008 and remained a member afterwards.
Barletta was charged in a sweeping police probe against Platinum Sports Book, a sophisticated gambling operation in Ontario that had computer servers in Costa Rica. We are aware that some Hells Angels members were arrested
The investigation of Platinum was revealed in spectacular fashion when officers raided a lavish Super Bowl party north of Toronto in 2013 — it was a catered event thrown as a Platinum customer appreciation night with an open bar for 2,700 guests who vied for expensive door prizes, including a motorcycle and Sea-Doo. Court heard a financial audit, based on intermittent betting records, found Platinum grossed more than $103 million between 2009 and 2013.
Three years after his arrest in the Platinum case, charges against Barletta were withdrawn.
Woman linked to a former Hells Angels president arrested after police raided her home apparently as part of a coordinated crackdown on the outlaw motorcycle gang
This is interesting, been a lot of talk about something big occurring this could be it. I believe that the major arrest of HA in Quebec along side some Eastern European element earlier year is also related. It had something to do with finance, if I remember correctly.
It’s amazing that the ghost of Rizzuto lingers even here with the Platinum Sports Book
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/19/1909:55 PM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
This is far from over and I feel that many more arrests will be made .. I remember seeing in the project sindacato Figliomeni take-down in Obtario, police indicating that they were still combing through a year's worth of wiretaps and more would be happening.
As we can see, they are using Canada Revenue now and targeting the proceeds .. tax evasion, laundering and following the money trail ..
Given that all the reporters here form a link between this Hells Angels crew and the Figliomeni clan, there just HAVE to be more things in the pipeline.
Platinum took down a lot of people but only a select few did actual jail time. Back up web sites were back up in no time.
I knew a lot of bettors who were using Platinum and at least two of the sportsbooks named in this bust, (Privada and Ultimate SB) were handed out almost immediately after that takedown... but with different agents managing the accounts .. agents that got away untouched from the Platinum bust scooped players under these new sportsbooks.
This isn't over .. with the use of new tactics and especially with the amounts of money being seized (which ultimately helps finance further investigations) I think this is only the beginning.
Right on, not to beat a dead horse. The outstanding debts from the book, were one of the things Rizzuto discussed during his mysterious tour of Ontario after release. All partners in Platinum would have been involved, and come to agreement (HA, Sicilians, Calabrese, Cops, Government, Elites, etc.). The promised cooperation was what was going to provide a distribution jump point in Hamilton. After Rizzuto death, the promises were broken, regarding the forgiveness of certain debts. Thus destroying the Hamilton front for the cartels and creating the ensuing events.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
One of the recently arrested, Gordon Baird, was convicted in the Platinum Sportsbook bust and admitted/pleaded guilty to being the administrator of the site.
Robert Barleta, the alleged leader in the organization taken down was also charged in the Platinum Sportsbook takedown but his charges were dismissed apparently the same day that Gordon Baird was sentenced.
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: DanD]
#983169 12/21/1908:38 AM12/21/1908:38 AM
What a message as well, have you heard anything about Walter Stadnik or any other 95 Nomads (ie. Pup Stockford or Norman Robitaiile). All of these men were part of the Elite Charter under Mom Boucher, and close with Rizzuto, both Victor or Nicolo Jr. This could be the way Rizzuto gets a permanent presence in Ontario and across the country. If we recall, it was Stadnik with Stockford that patched the country, while the war in Montreal was being fought. When the patch over of Ontario was complete, it’s been suggested that Stockford and Stadnik were setup by fellow HA, with Hamilton Police and other similar minded institutions.
It almost appears as if people would rather cross Rizzuto, than these guys now.
The failure to get the legitimate front in Hamilton, and attempting to play the cartels. Is now, potentially causing all players to (OC, Cops, Govt, Banks, Showbiz) to do as their told or deal with a more professional version (DEA, FBI, Homeland) since they help solve Barberi and Musitano murders.
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/23/1912:28 PM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
I think the police chief in Hamilton in and around Stockford/Stadnik arrest was guy named Brian Mullen. I know of a cook who is related to a Musitano guy through marriage with last name Gallo. The cook says this police chief has attended city elite social club that he worked at and blew lines. The were many 1%er Clubs prior to Ontario HA patching.
The Red Devils had a member Rick Joslin who with other 1%ers in not only Red Devils, Satan’s Choice, maybe Outlaws as well, worked with the local cops and government to setup Stadnik/Stockford. The reward of Joslin is that he was a major front for the conspirators as a Martial Arts Club in Hamilton. Also Red Devils had to become HA puppet.
These guys were patched into HA and since Stadnik/Stockford were 95 Nomads, too close to Rizzuto they needed to go. One top of the fact that Stadnik has expanded HA from coast to coast in Canada, with other 95 Nomads like Wolf Carrol.
The two HA that were shot in 2016 put on both Hamilton and Nomad cuts. With the presence of hated HA enemy Outlaws back in Ontario and no response they were targeted.
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/24/1901:05 PM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
John Papalia was murdered in May 97, most people I have listened to believed if the Musitanos weren’t arrested they would have been able to fill the void left by the death of Papalia. The Luppino/Violi were American based at the time and couldn’t fill either. I believe one of the brothers was arrested early 90’s and maybe doing time.
The people that filled the void are the one who worked against Stadnik/Stockford, essential 95 Nomads. With Joe Ertel becoming President of Ontario, Outlaws in Hamilton becoming their enemy HA, Mario Parente submission, and Bandidos Massacre.
After this its been implied that this group was involved with the attack on Rizzuto via man named Harold’s mob connections, maybe Maggi. Something to do with trading company out of Mississauga, and Montreal Stock Exchange.
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/24/1901:07 PM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
But one source close to outlaw bikers suspects the fire wasn’t random, that someone is sending a message to police that they’re not going to keep all the assets they seized. “It’s not over. There will be more ‘lightning,’ †the source said.
That source doesn’t buy speculation the fire might have been set to destroy evidence. It doesn’t make sense to burn the house to destroy evidence after the police search, the source said.
Here's where I disagree. It's not so much about sending a message that they won't be able to keep all the assets seized because assets need to be held until after trial..so if someone is found not guilty or charges are dropped, those assets are returned so it's idiotic to torch the assets so early in the process. Plus we've seen no destruction of all the homes seized (dozens) in the Project Sindacato busts of the Figliomeni clan (which Police allege was linked to this operation)
I THINK INSTEAD ….. The owner of the home (Habiba Kajan) is linked to the head of this operation, Robert Barletta .. and I think someone is sending a message to HER or perhaps even HIM... … as in .. keep your mouth shut. Seems if they were connected, she would know a LOT of his secrets.
All the guys who got busted in project sindicato are back at home the goverment didn't seize shit
Which speaks to my point .. the assets can't be sold off UNTIL they get convictions. so, the torching isn't asset destruction... it's a message for people to keep their mouths shut.
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: MolochioInduced]
#983591 12/29/1904:26 AM12/29/1904:26 AM
John Papalia was murdered in May 97, most people I have listened to believed if the Musitanos weren’t arrested they would have been able to fill the void left by the death of Papalia. The Luppino/Violi were American based at the time and couldn’t fill either. I believe one of the brothers was arrested early 90’s and maybe doing time.
The people that filled the void are the one who worked against Stadnik/Stockford, essential 95 Nomads. With Joe Ertel becoming President of Ontario, Outlaws in Hamilton becoming their enemy HA, Mario Parente submission, and Bandidos Massacre.
After this its been implied that this group was involved with the attack on Rizzuto via man named Harold’s mob connections, maybe Maggi. Something to do with trading company out of Mississauga, and Montreal Stock Exchange.
No one cares what you have to say, learn how to speak English you r tard.
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: DanD]
#983603 12/29/1907:28 AM12/29/1907:28 AM
Underboss
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,824 Larry's Bar
JC, just because your wife ran off with the ups man, does not mean you can take it out on the rest of the board.
"I have this Nightmare. I'm on 5th avenue watching the St. Patrick's Day parade and I have a coronary and nine thousand cops march happily over my body." Chief Sidney Green
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: JC]
#983607 12/29/1908:26 AM12/29/1908:26 AM
I apologize if how I speak upset you, I don’t know why it would unless there is some truth to what I am being told and observing.
If you doubt what I am sharing, because you have other information, please share. I am open to learn and discuss, that’s why I’m on this forum.
The trading company was called Magus, Market Guidance System. Check it out, if it’s a lie, discredit the information that I present. If not, you untitled to your opinion, however, facts are facts.
I know that Ertel, his buddy Harold and their group had offices in Montreal as well. Ontario HA guys having any traction in Quebec, specifically early to mid 2000’sis unique, especially if they weren’t part of the 95 HA Montreal Nomad Charter.
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/29/1908:53 AM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: MolochioInduced]
#983608 12/29/1908:35 AM12/29/1908:35 AM
Just curious what has you upset, my improving English. The Papalia references, the Nomad 95 references. The 1%er observations, that are fact based events. Or the Joe Ertel and Harold references, and any subsequent information about them, since they are named that are not openly discussed?
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 12/29/1908:39 AM.
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
I had previously missed this ... Article from January 2020
I guess when the police and fire departments show up to a multi million dollar waterside home, who's only registered owner is an Italian nonna, you've got a problem... Nobody said criminals were the sharpest pencils in the box.
Quote
A suspected arson that destroyed a Blue Mountains vacation property linked to the former president of the London Hells Angels was the catalyst for a two-year police probe into a gambling ring that led to his arrest on guns, gambling and tax evasion charges, The Free Press has learned.
The Jan. 5, 2018, fire in Thornbury, a small town on Georgian Bay northwest of Collingwood, prompted police to launch Operation Hobart, an investigation into an alleged multimillion-dollar gambling operation that police contend was run by members of the Hells Angels and an alleged Toronto crime family, Staff Sgt. Anthony Renton, the head of the OPP’s biker enforcement unit, said.
Property records show the now-destroyed luxury home and property at 363 Sunset Blvd., in Thornbury, belongs to Salvatrice Barletta, believed to be the mother of Robert Barletta, a founding member of the Hells Angels London chapter.
“Aside from Barletta, the other full-patch Hells Angels who were charged were Craig (Truck) McIlquham, 50, of Oakville; and Eugenio (Gino) Reda, 56, of King City.
McIlquham’s dozen charges include possession of a restricted weapon, bookmaking and commission of an offence for a criminal organization.“
I believe that Mcllquham, may be or was the National President HA in Canada 🇨🇦. I’m only speculating as I was told by a guy who had a meeting with President HA Ontario (Joe Ertel from Kitchener) and the National President HA, and his handle was ‘Truck’.
He threatened to rat this other guy out to the cops, which seemed strange.
Last edited by MolochioInduced; 11/17/2009:36 AM. Reason: Spelling
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than the shotgun.
Why was Barletta trying to access those computers in the first place? for that purpose?
In the original takedown there was a police services employee charged for breach of trust and wrongfully accessing the database ... I believe these charges are in connection from that .. it was Barletta that benefited from that information and I'm making an informed guess it was to provide his operation with addresses from license plates .... re: debt collection etc. as well as the database on open organized crime cases, to keep them one step ahead.
Although they're still scruffy as fuck, the Hells Angels chapters operating up in Canada are a completely different entity than the brethren in the United States. Almost unrecognizable in both mindset and operation. You would NEVER find HA's in the USA running any type of sophisticated gambling and bookmaking rackets like this article shows Canandian HA's doing. $16 million bookmaking volume? Lol. The angels in the USA don't even know how to operate a gambling business, much less run one of that capacity.
They basically only into drug dealing down here, and certainly not in the nose-bleed hemisphere of volume anywhere near Canada.
Canada is a different beast indeed. Up there HA is truly into major "organized crime" whereas everywhere else I'd say HA was more into "dis-organized crime." Lol
So what happens to all the assets they confiscated? They just give them back??
Although the federal RCMP was involved, as were non-policing federal agencies, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) ultimately seized the assets — the law-enforcement agencies for several Ontario cities were especially instrumental in the investigation.
However, the return of seized assets is covered by the Criminal Code of Canada, which is federal law. And, yes, all assets have to be returned. I’ll try to find out whether the HA colours were also returned.
Lucky they aren't in the US, that stuff would have been sold already. Then the accused has to pony up a bunch of cash for lawyers to sue. Then they win and the citizens get to pay.
Part of the reason a club in my area switched over to hells angels was to have power to fight back over getting screwed over by asset treatment while the government had their stuff. Bikes sat impounded getting ruined and iirc the club beat the case.
Then the city attacked their crappy clubhouse illegally, got sued, lost, and the settlement bought them a nice new clubhouse.
Can't believe they haven't found a way to outlaw bike clubs altogether in Canada.
Re: Project Hobart - Ontario HA Gambling Busts
[Re: DanD]
#1038600 08/12/2201:12 AM08/12/2201:12 AM
Cross-posting from the Hells Angels MC topic. ——- Halton Regional Police Service release from yesterday has been updated just earlier to name the murder victim: Craig McIlquham, a Hells Angel from the Niagara chapter.
^^^^ Excerpts below from an older article are relevant in this discussion. NB: OPP=Ontario Provincial Police.
Thursday, December 19, 2019 By Louie Rosella | InsideHalton.com Hells Angels member from Oakville among 7 Halton residents charged in illegal gaming operation tied to ‘an escalation in violence across Ontario’ OPP focus was on an illegal gaming organization controlled by members of the Hell’s Angels https://www.insidehalton.com/news/c...742ed8c-a63c-594d-afdd-dab08a6000af.html
Nearly 30 people are facing more than 200 criminal charges in connection with a multi-million dollar illegal gaming operation tied to a series of attempted murders, arsons, extortion threats, shootings and assaults.
One of those charged, 49-year-old Oakville resident Craig McIlquham, is a member of the notorious Hells Angels motorcycle gang, the OPP said in a release.
OPP launched Project Hobart as a result of “an escalation of violence across Ontario and Quebec” between August 2017 and May 2018 which included attempted murders, arsons, extortion threats, shootings and assaults.
[snip]
Their focus was on an illegal gaming organization controlled by members of the Hell’s Angels outlaw motorcycle gang.
[snip]
The investigation suggests the sportsbooks have been in operation for more than five years and have brought in gross revenues of more that [sic] $131 million, police said.
Police linked the operators of this illegal gaming organization to the Figliomeni crime family.
^^^^ Peter Edwards has written another article about the topic of Craig McIlquham's murder. This article repeats the collaboration between the 'ndrangheta and the Hells in online gambling, such as in Project Hobart. Edwards quotes Anna Sergi's emaily reply to him.
That’s got a be a terrible Mother’s Day for his wife, just like the Gallo last year. That’s two Mother’s Days in a row something major happens. Add them to the widow list with Musitanos, Luppino, Rizzuto and whoever is next!
![[Linked Image]](https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/gta/2019/12/19/opp-charge-three-hells-angels-bikers-among-28-arrested-in-illegal-gambling-bust/_2_opp0bust.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://beta.ctvnews.ca/content/dam/ctvnews/images/2019/12/19/1_4737286.jpg)
