2024 conference speakers

IHIT commenced Project EPROSPERITY in 2019 as a result three gang homicides that occurred between 2015 and 2018 in the Lower Mainland. IHIT identified and targeted members of the “My Brothers Keeper” (BK) gang as the suspects in these investigations. This group is involved in the ongoing BC Gang Conflict, resulting in numerous retaliatory shootings, murders, and other violent crimes. Through the utilization of unique investigational techniques, including the use of a Police Agent and Undercover Operations, spanning two provinces, IHIT collected substantive evidence against the primary target, a contract killer for the BK. Aside from the challenges of mitigating public safety risks, investigators also navigated and managed a series of complex investigative, disclosure, and legal issues. Project EPROSPERITY resulted in the accused being convicted of two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted Murder. In January 2024, the accused was sentenced to life in prison, with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.

Declan Hill is a leading investigative academic and journalist, specializing in match-fixing and corruption in international sports. A Chevening Scholar with a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Oxford, he authored the book *The Fix: Organized Crime and Soccer*, which exposes the threat of match-fixing due to the globalization of the gambling market, affecting even prestigious events like the Champions League and FIFA World Cup. Hill has investigated the Russian mafia's influence on NHL ice hockey and developed the first online anti-match-fixing education course, later adopted by Interpol.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is Canada's aw enforcement agency responsible for investigating border related criminal offences. In April 2023, the CBSA launched the Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) to investigate firearms smuggling across the Province of Ontario. This presentation will provide insight into recent investigations conducted and intelligence trends observed by the CBSA.

The presentation will highlight various legal issues, including search and seizure, the evolving concept of "reasonable expectation of privacy," new production orders, and the current legal landscape regarding pole cameras and access to common areas in multi-unit buildings. It also covers privately manufactured firearms, focusing on Bill C-21, search warrants for 3D firearms, information sharing, abuse of process issues, and practical legal tips in light of the R. v. Hart decision. The presentation aims to provide legal highlights and practical takeaways for attendees

Since 2014, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) has been declared a significant threat in Canada and continues to be designated as the National Tactical Enforcement Priority (NTEP). This presentation will open with an overview of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) in British Columbia (BC), examining the ways in which the Hells Angels have maintained their dominance as the most powerful 1% motorcycle club in Western Canada. The Canadian HAMC have continued to exploit lucrative opportunities across various criminal markets, by virtue of British Columbia’s shared border with the United States, proximity to major drug source and transshipment countries in Latin America, and its strategic location in the Asia Pacific Rim. This session will provide a case study based on funeral intelligence to illustrate the growing convergence between BC Hells Angels and prolific street and mid-level gangs responsible for fuelling ongoing gang violence in the Canada, highlighting the implications on public safety. The recent convergence between these threat groups has also led to an unprecedented diversification of the “biker archetype” in the BC OMG landscape. The presentation will then examine the threat evolution of the BC Hells Angels, identifying key “power players” and emerging trends that have led to the expansion across Canada, and the ever-evolving global reach of the club. The session will conclude with an analytical forecast on the impact of BC bikers in the domestic and international organized crime environment.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is Canada's aw enforcement agency responsible for investigating border related criminal offences. In April 2023, the CBSA launched the Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) to investigate firearms smuggling across the Province of Ontario. This presentation will provide insight into recent investigations conducted and intelligence trends observed by the CBSA.

As criminal networks grow in their sophistication and complexity, law enforcement agencies need to grow and adapt to help maintain the safety and security of our communities and institutions. Working effectively against organized crime involves a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies, organizations and local communities. This approach is crucial for effectively tackling the complex and far-reaching impacts of their activities which often transcends borders. The Ontario Corrections Intelligence Unit (OCIU) will be presenting about the benefits of working together to help minimize the impact of security threat groups to the safety and security of our institutions and communities. The presentation will examine how information sharing contributes to the mitigation of risk posed by organized crime groups through prevention and intervention. Highlights will include trends on contraband introduction techniques including the use of fraudulent sureties and drone operations and ways in which we have utilized partnerships to collaborate effectively to prevent and supress contraband introduction within institutions. OCIU will also review how working collaboratively can assist in raising awareness of Security Threat Group conflicts and activities in the community and in our institutions and the early identification of Human Trafficking victims and perpetrators.

As criminal networks grow in their sophistication and complexity, law enforcement agencies need to grow and adapt to help maintain the safety and security of our communities and institutions. Working effectively against organized crime involves a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies, organizations and local communities. This approach is crucial for effectively tackling the complex and far-reaching impacts of their activities which often transcends borders. The Ontario Corrections Intelligence Unit (OCIU) will be presenting about the benefits of working together to help minimize the impact of security threat groups to the safety and security of our institutions and communities. The presentation will examine how information sharing contributes to the mitigation of risk posed by organized crime groups through prevention and intervention. Highlights will include trends on contraband introduction techniques including the use of fraudulent sureties and drone operations and ways in which we have utilized partnerships to collaborate effectively to prevent and supress contraband introduction within institutions. OCIU will also review how working collaboratively can assist in raising awareness of Security Threat Group conflicts and activities in the community and in our institutions and the early identification of Human Trafficking victims and perpetrators.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is Canada's aw enforcement agency responsible for investigating border related criminal offences. In April 2023, the CBSA launched the Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) to investigate firearms smuggling across the Province of Ontario. This presentation will provide insight into recent investigations conducted and intelligence trends observed by the CBSA.

The presentation will highlight various legal issues, including search and seizure, the evolving concept of "reasonable expectation of privacy," new production orders, and the current legal landscape regarding pole cameras and access to common areas in multi-unit buildings. It also covers privately manufactured firearms, focusing on Bill C-21, search warrants for 3D firearms, information sharing, abuse of process issues, and practical legal tips in light of the R. v. Hart decision. The presentation aims to provide legal highlights and practical takeaways for attendees

The Bolo Program is a breakthrough initiative leveraging social media, technology, and innovative engagement to encourage citizens to be on the lookout for Canada’s most wanted, so they can help keep their communities safe. Bolo reaches citizens at the right time and at the right place by amplifying priority wanted notices for which Canadian police services have already requested the public’s assistance. In cooperation with Canadian police services and Crime Stoppers, Bolo launches amplification campaigns to reach wider audiences for these notices, on multiple platforms and over extended periods of time, and offers major financial rewards as incentives for citizens to be on the lookout and submit tips to the authorities.

We will be taking a dive into the complex world of firearms trafficking from both an American and cross boarder perspective. Covered will be the firearms trafficking trends, tactics, and procedures utilized by criminal organizations working as if there is no such thing as a border. Agents will explain what has worked, what has not worked, and most importantly lessons learned by conducting these long term and complex investigations in order to achieve joint success on both sides of the border.

Project Top Shelf was an investigation led by the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit aimed at dismantling an organized crime group responsible for the distribution of large quantities cocaine and associated criminal activities in the greater Ottawa area. The group had been ranked on the Ontario Provincial Threat Assessment for several years. The investigation started in February 2023 and ran for nine months. The head of the organization, a well known Ottawa drug trafficker, ran the operation from Toronto. The group’s network involved individuals from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Thunder Bay. The investigation was initiated through confidential sources and intelligence gathering and eventually led to a full-blown Part VI investigation. The investigation was funded solely through provincial funding from CISO and OPS. RCMP, TPS, Thunder Bay Police, OPP and Kingston Police provided operational assistance during the investigation.

Project Top Shelf was an investigation led by the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit aimed at dismantling an organized crime group responsible for the distribution of large quantities cocaine and associated criminal activities in the greater Ottawa area. The group had been ranked on the Ontario Provincial Threat Assessment for several years. The investigation started in February 2023 and ran for nine months. The head of the organization, a well known Ottawa drug trafficker, ran the operation from Toronto. The group’s network involved individuals from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Thunder Bay. The investigation was initiated through confidential sources and intelligence gathering and eventually led to a full-blown Part VI investigation. The investigation was funded solely through provincial funding from CISO and OPS. RCMP, TPS, Thunder Bay Police, OPP and Kingston Police provided operational assistance during the investigation.

The Bolo Program is a breakthrough initiative leveraging social media, technology, and innovative engagement to encourage citizens to be on the lookout for Canada’s most wanted, so they can help keep their communities safe. Bolo reaches citizens at the right time and at the right place by amplifying priority wanted notices for which Canadian police services have already requested the public’s assistance. In cooperation with Canadian police services and Crime Stoppers, Bolo launches amplification campaigns to reach wider audiences for these notices, on multiple platforms and over extended periods of time, and offers major financial rewards as incentives for citizens to be on the lookout and submit tips to the authorities.

Project Top Shelf was an investigation led by the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit aimed at dismantling an organized crime group responsible for the distribution of large quantities cocaine and associated criminal activities in the greater Ottawa area. The group had been ranked on the Ontario Provincial Threat Assessment for several years. The investigation started in February 2023 and ran for nine months. The head of the organization, although a former well known Ottawa drug trafficker, ran the operation from Toronto. The group’s network involved individuals from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Thunder Bay. The investigation was initiated through confidential sources and intelligence gathering and eventually led to a full-blown Part VI investigation. The investigation was funded solely through provincial funding from CISO and OPS. RCMP, TPS, Thunder Bay Police, OPP and Kingston Police provided operational assistance during the investigation.

In the year 2020 and 2022, members of the Toronto Police Service – Gun and Gang Task Force – Major Project Section were investigating dozens of shooting occurrences committed by two street gangs, the Eglinton West Crips and the Jungle Bloods. Although being two separate investigations, both street gangs engaged in shootouts with rival gangs and controlled areas of Toronto where they would gather and engage in drug and firearm trafficking. These criminal organizations maintained control of their territories by committing shootings, and marking their territory with graffiti, and on-line threats on social media platforms. Project Sunder and Project Venom commenced with a focus to stop the violence and other gang related offences. Both projects moved forward with a Part VI Wiretap Authorization that allowed police to intercept the private communications of the gang members and their associates. The primary objective of these investigations was to acquire admissible evidence identifying the leaders, associates and contraband suppliers of the criminal organizations, with the ultimate goal at the conclusion to dismantle the criminal organizations.

In the year 2020 and 2022, members of the Toronto Police Service – Gun and Gang Task Force – Major Project Section were investigating dozens of shooting occurrences committed by two street gangs, the Eglinton West Crips and the Jungle Bloods. Although being two separate investigations, both street gangs engaged in shootouts with rival gangs and controlled areas of Toronto where they would gather and engage in drug and firearm trafficking. These criminal organizations maintained control of their territories by committing shootings, and marking their territory with graffiti, and on-line threats on social media platforms. Project Sunder and Project Venom commenced with a focus to stop the violence and other gang related offences. Both projects moved forward with a Part VI Wiretap Authorization that allowed police to intercept the private communications of the gang members and their associates. The primary objective of these investigations was to acquire admissible evidence identifying the leaders, associates and contraband suppliers of the criminal organizations, with the ultimate goal at the conclusion to dismantle the criminal organizations.

Illegal Tobacco, the new currency, and it’s connection to organized crime. Think outside the box, using this knowledge to assist police officers in their investigations.

Crime Stoppers: An Effective Partner Against Organized Crime When you look at things differently, the things you look at change. Learn why building partnerships with community stakeholders can be an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing crime, enhancing community safety and most importantly turning negative experiences into positive encounters. The discussion will focus on the philosophy of Crime Prevention Through Community Engagement and how Crime Stoppers can play an important role in bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement. Learn all about Toronto Crime Stoppers and their efforts to create community awareness while supporting law enforcement’s efforts to combat community crime challenges, which includes identifying those involved in Organized Crime and Gun & Gang activity.

Crime Stoppers: An Effective Partner Against Organized Crime When you look at things differently, the things you look at change. Learn why building partnerships with community stakeholders can be an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing crime, enhancing community safety and most importantly turning negative experiences into positive encounters. The discussion will focus on the philosophy of Crime Prevention Through Community Engagement and how Crime Stoppers can play an important role in bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement. Learn all about Toronto Crime Stoppers and their efforts to create community awareness while supporting law enforcement’s efforts to combat community crime challenges, which includes identifying those involved in Organized Crime and Gun & Gang activity.

This presentation discusses the trend of Mexican cartels directly suppying narcotics to neighborhood-based street gangs in the Northeast region of the United States. Specifically, this presentation covers the driving factors of why these drug-based relationships are forming, indicators this type of activity is occuring in a geogrpahic region, how these relationships form, and the methods employed by cartels to traffic narcotics to geographic regions far removed from the US/Mexico border. Additonal topics will include how social media and phone data can assist investigators in these types of investigations.

IHIT commenced Project EPROSPERITY in 2019 as a result three gang homicides that occurred between 2015 and 2018 in the Lower Mainland. IHIT identified and targeted members of the “My Brothers Keeper” (BK) gang as the suspects in these investigations. This group is involved in the ongoing BC Gang Conflict, resulting in numerous retaliatory shootings, murders, and other violent crimes. Through the utilization of unique investigational techniques, including the use of a Police Agent and Undercover Operations, spanning two provinces, IHIT collected substantive evidence against the primary target, a contract killer for the BK. Aside from the challenges of mitigating public safety risks, investigators also navigated and managed a series of complex investigative, disclosure, and legal issues. Project EPROSPERITY resulted in the accused being convicted of two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted Murder. In January 2024, the accused was sentenced to life in prison, with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.

We will be taking a dive into the complex world of firearms trafficking from both an American and cross boarder perspective. Covered will be the firearms trafficking trends, tactics, and procedures utilized by criminal organizations working as if there is no such thing as a border. Agents will explain what has worked, what has not worked, and most importantly lessons learned by conducting these long term and complex investigations in order to achieve joint success on both sides of the border.

IHIT commenced Project EPROSPERITY in 2019 as a result three gang homicides that occurred between 2015 and 2018 in the Lower Mainland. IHIT identified and targeted members of the “My Brothers Keeper” (BK) gang as the suspects in these investigations. This group is involved in the ongoing BC Gang Conflict, resulting in numerous retaliatory shootings, murders, and other violent crimes. Through the utilization of unique investigational techniques, including the use of a Police Agent and Undercover Operations, spanning two provinces, IHIT collected substantive evidence against the primary target, a contract killer for the BK. Aside from the challenges of mitigating public safety risks, investigators also navigated and managed a series of complex investigative, disclosure, and legal issues. Project EPROSPERITY resulted in the accused being convicted of two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted Murder. In January 2024, the accused was sentenced to life in prison, with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.