Canadian Press
VANCOUVER (CP) - Asian organized crime poses a major threat in Canada and has a presence in all areas of Canada, says a new police report into criminal associations across the country.
Asian-based crime groups are active in the Vancouver area, Calgary, Edmonton and Greater Toronto, the report said.
The Asian gangs are a key threat because they run sophisticated criminal activities and are highly influential. They also supply illicit drugs to other organized crime groups, the report found.
The 2004 annual report was produced by the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada. The group has 380 member agencies including the RCMP, the provincial, regional and municipal police departments as well as intelligence and regulatory agencies.
The report found Eastern European-based gangs, concentrated in Ontario, have also formed strategic partnerships with other organized crime groups in Canada and internationally.
The Hells Angels remain the largest and most powerful outlaw motorcycle gang.
Meanwhile, Italian-based organized crime is centred in Montreal, the Greater Toronto area, Hamilton and the Niagara region. It’s also present in Vancouver and Calgary and appears to have some influence in other regions, the report said.
On the upside, the report found there is no indication that organized crime has infiltrated the primary diamond industry in Canada.
The report was released by RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli and Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino.