In the last few weeks a book on the Montreal Mafia came out, Mafia Inc., revealing more than 35 years of research on the subject. The timing is right with the recent speculations on the street gangs' role in the downfall of Montreal Mafia since the arrests, kidnappings, and murders of important mafia figures. As crime is inevitable, someone should manage it and ensure a structure. Between the two fighting parties, Mafia and street gangs, the Mafia is the most suited to rule the streets of Montreal. I will explain my opinion, but first this piece does not excuse criminal activities or encourage them. What follows is an argument of the best outcome considering the actual situation.


The Utopian Idea of a World Without Crime

Only in a Utopian world we could dream of a city without crime. It has always existed and it will go on. Drugs are not imposed on people; people ask for them. Whether their consumption is mild or heavy, a part of the population will demand it. Therefore crime will always exist. It's the same thing for prostitution, gambling or whatever other illegal activities performed by organized crime. Good or bad, they exist because they serve certain people's needs. Many police operations have tried to suppress it arresting important leaders, but since then the crime scene has worsened.



Rizzuto's Wise Words
 
Ironically these were the predictions of Rizzuto when he was arrested. He "asserted [...] that he was the only person able to maintain a relative peace among the diverse criminal organizations in Montreal, as if he wanted to convince [people] they were making a serious error in extraditing him to the United States" (Paul Cherry). Since Rizzuto's extradition, Montreal has been the witness of many visible crimes, and it only seems to get worse.