Canada Loses 42-Year Bid to Deport ’ndrangheta Boss Vincenzo Demaria

Canada’s latest attempt to deport alleged Toronto Mafia boss Vincenzo DeMaria failed after the Immigration and Refugee Board rejected the government’s case, ending another chapter in a removal effort that began 42 years ago.

The board found that the government had not proved DeMaria belonged to the ’Ndrangheta or took part in Mafia activities such as money laundering. The Canada Border Services Agency had sought his deportation to Italy.

The decision came as DeMaria, also known as Jimmy DeMaria, remains in Canada as a permanent resident. He is 72.

The case has survived multiple removal efforts. Authorities first issued a deportation order in 1984, followed by unsuccessful efforts in 2011, 2018 and 2026.

Madona Mokbel, the adjudicator, said DeMaria’s denial that he knew the organization was not credible because of documented “contact, friendship, and kinship” with known figures. But she drew a line between suspicious associations and proof of membership.

“The Panel finds that the Minister did not submit evidence that [DeMaria] is a member of [the 'Ndrangheta].”

Mokbel also wrote that “dubious claims do not make him a mobster.”

The board rejected membership evidence, not the government’s allegations alone

The government’s case focused on allegations that DeMaria was a senior Toronto figure connected to the Calabria-based organization, specifically its Siderno Group. Police had described him as the “chairman of the board” for Toronto-area clans.

The organization originated in Calabria, Italy. Canadian authorities argued that DeMaria was inadmissible on grounds of “serious criminality” and membership in a criminal organization.

His criminal record includes a 1982 conviction for second-degree murder after he shot a man who owed him money. DeMaria served 10 years of a life sentence and was released on parole in 1992.

The proceedings also drew on intelligence supplied by Italian authorities. Recordings allegedly captured Mafia bosses in Italy expressing “great respect” for DeMaria.

DeMaria’s lawyers argued that the material was circumstantial and that foreign wiretaps collected through spyware on Canadian soil violated his Charter rights. The government later stopped relying on the Italian wiretap evidence during proceedings in late 2025 and early 2026.

That change weakened the case. Andrej Rustja represented the Minister of Public Safety in the proceedings.

DeMaria’s family ties became part of the removal fight

DeMaria was born in Siderno, Italy, but arrived in Canada as an infant. His defense lawyer, Simon King, said the country had become his only home.

“He has been fighting to stay in the only home he has ever known, and to be reunited with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren,” King said.

The case has also involved a lengthy police investigation into the alleged criminal cell. Canadian police reportedly spent roughly $8 million examining the group associated with DeMaria.

The board’s finding means the government did not meet its burden in this inadmissibility and deportation proceeding. It blocks this specific attempt, while leaving open the possibility of additional immigration or removal action under Canadian law.

As of August 14, 2026, the CBSA had not confirmed whether it would pursue another appeal. The recent decision limits efforts based on the same evidence, particularly the material the government chose not to rely on.

The case was still being tracked after the ruling was obtained on August 13, 2026, and the latest decision followed 42 years of efforts to remove DeMaria from Canada.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.