Business or Blood (39 page)

A high school dropout, Vito carried himself like a CEO, though his suits tended to be a little too flashy for the corporate world.

Salvatore Montagna hoped Vito's prison stay was the Bonanno family's chance to re-assert its claim on Montreal, a crucial entry point for smuggling drugs into North America.

In 2004, Bonanno boss Big Joey Massino becomes the highest ranking member of La Cosa Nostra to cooperate with police, worsening the already fragile state of the Mafia family.

Spaniard Juan (Joe Bravo) Ramon Paz Fernandez was briefly reliable muscle for Vito on the streets of Toronto. The bodybuilder pounces on an unlikely target for a photo.

Nicolò and his trusted inner circle in 1999: Paolo Renda (right), Rocco Sollecito and Francesco Arcadi.

Restaurateur/hitman Salvatore (Sam) Calautti was a never ending problem for the 'Ndrangheta.

Former pro football player Constantin (Big Gus) Alevizos was muscle for Panepinto's Toronto group.

Gaetano (Guy) Panepinto ran Vito's Toronto crew after Fernandez was imprisoned.

Nick Rizzuto Jr. tried to maintain his father's criminal empire after Vito went to prison. The effort cost him his life.

Hells Angels Montreal Nomad leader Maurice (Mom) Boucher, one more Vito ally lost to prison.

Salvatore Cazzetta (centre, seated), founder of the Rock Machine biker gang.

Ducarme Joseph was a Montreal street-gang leader Vito could rely on—for a time.

Vito's war continued with the daytime assassination of 'Ndrangheta drug smuggler and street boss Carmine (The Animal) Verduci.