A deportation appeal on Monday will determine if an alleged Mafia leader must go back to Italy, sparking concerns in Canada about foreign intervention and legal rights. The case questions whether a foreign state can conduct surveillance on an individual in Canada without a warrant and present the gathered evidence in a Canadian legal setting.
Vincenzo (Jimmy) DeMaria, originally from Siderno, Italy, has been residing in Canada for most of his life. Siderno, located in the Calabria region of Italy, is known for its ties to the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful Mafia group that expanded its influence to Canada, particularly in Toronto.
Despite living in Canada for 71 years, DeMaria never obtained Canadian citizenship. Both the Italian and Canadian governments have refrained from commenting directly on the matter. However, court documents shed light on the Canada Border Services Agency’s allegations against DeMaria, linking him to organized crime activities.
The ‘Ndrangheta, known for its dominance in Italy and worldwide, including in Canada, has faced significant law enforcement actions in Toronto, like Project Sindacato targeting its illicit gambling ventures. The prominent ‘Ndrangheta faction in Canada, called the “Siderno Group,” is associated with DeMaria’s hometown.
Accused of being a senior figure within the criminal organization, DeMaria denies these claims, asserting he is a property manager. Despite his past conviction for second-degree murder in 1981, DeMaria has been fighting deportation from Canada for years, with previous orders quashed and subsequent arrests for parole violations.
The case took a pivotal turn when a murder in Siderno led to surveillance on a high-ranking mafioso, raising legal questions about the interception of communications on Canadian soil without proper authorization. DeMaria’s lawyers argue that the surveillance violated laws and undermined their client’s rights.
While the CBSA upholds its adherence to legal procedures in deporting foreign nationals deemed inadmissible, DeMaria’s defense contends that relying on unlawfully obtained evidence compromises the integrity of the legal process. The ongoing legal battle raises concerns about foreign surveillance practices and their impact on Canadian civil liberties.
The Immigration Appeal Division in Toronto is set to commence a virtual hearing on Monday, with the first witness expected to shed light on the surveillance request made by the Italian Carabinieri concerning Muià in Canada.