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The HELLS ANGELS remains the largest and most powerful outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) in Canada with the OUTLAWS and BANDIDOS currently maintaining a low profile. The HELLS ANGELS in British Columbia and several chapters in Ontario remain sophisticated and well-established; however, the group is facing challenges throughout the rest of the country as a direct result of being successfully targeted by law enforcement, from internal conflict and from increased competition from other criminal organizations. In Alberta, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, the HELLS ANGELS is facing increased competition in illicit drug activities from other organized crime groups.
Traditional (Italian-based) organized crime (TOC) is centred in Montreal, the greater Toronto area, Hamilton and the Niagara region, but is also present in Vancouver and Calgary and appears to have influence in other regions across the country. There may be some changes in the leadership and/or organization and operations of TOC in Ontario and Quebec due to a recent law enforcement action on a major TOC figure in Canada. TOC will continue to engage in the illicit drug trade and white-collar crime as well as investing criminal profits in both legitimate businesses and illicit activities.
Asian-based organized crime (AOC) in the B.C. Lower Mainland and the greater Toronto area influences criminal activities and the supply of illicit commodities to other organized crime groups in various regions across the country. AOC will continue to pose a major threat in Canada through its multiple, sophisticated criminal activities, its significant criminal influence in many areas across the country and its supply of illicit drugs to other organized crime groups. Across the country, Vietnamese-based groups remain extensively involved in multiple residential marihuana grow operations with distribution within Canada and to the U.S.
Eastern European-based organized crime (EEOC) networks operate across the country; however, they continue to be concentrated in Ontario, with significant presence noted in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. EEOC groups in Canada are known to be opportunistic, with an ability to be involved in numerous criminal enterprises. EEOC strategically forms partnerships with other organized crime groups in Canada and internationally to help carry out its criminal enterprises.
From the CIS 2004 Report On Canadian OC
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