Mafia-Linked Gambling Syndicate Allegedly Involving Hells Angel Member Suffers Fatal Shooting Incident in Canada
Title: " criminal mastermind gunned down in burlington: the tragic end of 'truck' mcilquham"
Date: May 7, 2025, 06:34h | Last Updated: May 8, 2025, 10:00h
By: Phil C @ casinorgphilc
In the grim underbelly of Ontario's criminal landscape, the infamous Hells Angels, and the shadowy 'Ndrangheta, have long been entwined in nefarious dealings. However, the recent targeted shooting of Craig "Truck" McIlquham, a key player in Project Hobart's bust, serves as a chilling reminder of the perilous world these organizations inhabit.
Truck, a 55-year-old man with a colorful past, was renowned for his involvement in illegal gambling operations. Back in 2019, he was one of over 30 individuals taken down in Project Hobart, a high-profile joint investigation led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The operation zeroed in on a complex illegal betting network that allegedly operated under the control of Hells Angels and 'Ndrangheta members. Centered around three platforms—Ultimate SB, Titan SB, and PlaytoWin SB—the operation is believed to have generated over CA$131 million (US$95.6 million) in revenue between 2014 and 2019.
The crime-riddled network leveraged these platforms to manage upon bets and launder proceeds, all while exercising intimidation and violence to collect debts. Upon this pillage, authorities seized approximately CA$40 million (US$29 million) in assets, including luxury real estate, vehicles, cash, precious metals, and jewelry.
McIlquham and fellow Hells Angels member Robert Barletta, the founder of the London, Ontario chapter, were the ringleaders of the gambling operation. Both men were charged with multiple offenses, including bookmaking, firearms violations, and committing crimes for the benefit of a criminal organization. Barletta also faced charges related to tax evasion.
Sadly, the case collapsed in 2022 due to its estimated trial length, which was deemed to exceed the 30-month limit unique to Canadian criminal law. Nevertheless, Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General continues its efforts to secure the groups' assets under the province's Civil Remedies Act.
While the 'Ndrangheta were only part of the backdrop in this particular operation, they've long cast a sinister presence in the world of organized crime. Originating from southern Italy, the syndicate has risen to become one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in the world. With a presence in over 100 countries and estimated annual revenues of $50 billion to $100 billion, the 'Ndrangheta has been linked to the 80% of cocaine in Europe and the control of much of the illegal arms trade around the world.
The tie between these organizations, while not openly communicated, has long been suspected. The question remains, however, as to the extent of their collaboration in activities, such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and money laundering, within the torrid landscape of Ontario, Canada.
As we mourn Truck's tragic demise, the echo of his gunshot-riddled end reverberates through the vibrant streets of Burlington. His untimely death serves as a grim reminder of the ever-present danger that lurks in the shadows of the criminal underworld, where connections run deep, and loyalties are often shackled by betrayal and deceit.
- Craig "Truck" McIlquham's death, a key player in the Project Hobart bust, underscores the treacherous realm of the Hells Angels and 'Ndrangheta mafia in Ontario.
- McIlquham was notorious for his involvement in illegal gambling operations, earning him a place among over 30 individuals targeted by Project Hobart in 2019.
- The operation dismantled a complex illegal betting network, managed through platforms like Ultimate SB, Titan SB, and PlaytoWin SB, allegedly controlled by Hells Angels and 'Ndrangheta members.
- Between 2014 and 2019, this criminal network generated over CA$131 million (US$95.6 million) in revenue.
- Assets seized during the operation included CA$40 million (US$29 million) in luxury real estate, vehicles, cash, precious metals, and jewelry.
- McIlquham and Hells Angels member Robert Barletta were the ringleaders of the gambling operation, facing charges for bookmaking, firearms violations, and crimes for the benefit of a criminal organization.
- Barletta also faced charges related to tax evasion, but the trial collapsed in 2022 due to its length exceeding the Canadian criminal law's 30-month limit.
- In 2025, Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General continues efforts to secure the groups' assets under the province's Civil Remedies Act.
- Despite primarily focusing on gambling, the 'Ndrangheta's impact on organized crime extends far beyond, with a presence in over 100 countries and estimated annual revenues of $50 billion to $100 billion.
- The 'Ndrangheta has been linked to 80% of cocaine in Europe and the control of much of the illegal arms trade worldwide.
- The connection between these organizations is suspected, but the extent of their collaboration in activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal gambling remains unclear.
- As the gaming world evolves with trends in casino-and-gambling, lotteries, sports-betting, casino-personalities, and casino-culture, the criminal underworld's influence, as seen in Truck's tragic end, serves as a grim reminder of the importance of responsible gambling and crime-and-justice reporting in the general news.
