Leonardo Rizzuto’s law licence suspended: Quebec bar

The Barreau du Québec suspended Leonardo Rizzuto’s licence to practice law after he was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The decision, made by the Bar’s disciplinary council under article 122.0.1 of the Code des professions, took effect July 2.

Rizzuto, 56, is the youngest son of the late Vito Rizzuto, the reputed former head of the Montreal Mafia. He was arrested on June 12 as part of a major police operation targeting organized crime groups in Quebec, with 11 people being arrested.

The suspension also prevents him from using the professional title reserved for members of the Bar.

According to the Bar, the suspension is provisional and could change depending on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Charged in decade-long organized crime investigation

Rizzuto was among 11 suspects arrested following a three-year joint investigation by Montreal and provincial police, known as Project Alliance. Authorities say the probe helped solve several murders and revealed links between the Italian Mafia, the Hells Angels, and local street gangs

He has been charged with the 2011 first-degree murder of Lorenzo Lopresti and with conspiracy to commit several other murders between 2011 and 2019. All 11 suspects are accused of being involved in at least one murder or attempted murder over a 10-year period.

Police say 150 officers were deployed across cities including Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, and others during the operation.

Rizzuto was arrested at his home in Laval and remains in custody.

Legal authority behind immediate suspension

The Bar’s disciplinary council used powers granted by article 122.0.1, which allows professional orders to suspend a member’s licence if they are charged with serious criminal offences that could carry sentences of five years or more — especially if the alleged offences are connected to their professional practice.

Rizzuto has been a licensed lawyer in Quebec since 1999. The Bar emphasized its responsibility to protect the public and maintain trust in the legal profession.

Major blow to organized crime networks in Quebec

Police officials described the June arrests as one of the most significant operations against organized crime in recent decades. Authorities say the suspects were high-level members of various criminal networks and that their arrests could destabilize these groups.

Among those arrested was Richard “Race” Larivière, an alleged Hells Angels member, who faces multiple murder charges. Others include suspected Mafia figure Stefano Sollecito and individuals tied to various criminal factions.

Five suspects remain wanted, and police say they are already preparing for any possible retaliation or power shifts within the criminal underworld.