It was not only Robert at the funeral several top guys of the Montreal Chapter. Del Balso was close to them but not a member, no need to go unless you want to show your strength. Why would they turn on Del Balso only a few months after the hit on Rizzuto, where at least Robert played a role in it?? I know alliances changes but that is very opportunistic!
It was 3 members that's not exactly a show of strength. The fourth man there was Stephane Orphanos and is a prospect and could've been there as a bodyguard to the members. There were actually other bikers there that weren't mentioned in the article too and probably there as protection to Martin Robert Stephane Plouffe and Robert Barletta.
I think it's pretty clear this wasn't some well thought out plan to take over the book. It was Francesco Del Balso wanting revenge for them targeting him and in his dumb twisted mind probably thought he'd take over after killing Leonardo Rizzuto and to get the blessing of his Hells Angels friends he offered the book or part of it. When the murder failed and Francesco Del Balso tried leaving the country and the report that the Hells Angels were involved they probably cut ties to Francesco Del Balso to salvage their relationship with Leonardo Rizzuto. They saw Francesco Del Balso was a bad bet and it was better for everyone if he was eliminated.
I interpreted that as a minority of the Hells being present. But we still don't know the circumstances of their absence from the big rally.
When this all happened, I joked.." Is DelBalso a biker now?". But I think Robert and his allies were actually acting too " Italian". Too conniving, cunning, ....and I DO think it was for a share of the Book. Barletta's presence at the funeral kinda speaks volumes as he's a gambling guy. Maybe THE gambling guy for Hells.
Like fuck all the criminal profiles.... I really wish Renaud or someone would break down this Sportsbook network, and exactly how it works. Why is DelBalso even in possession, ( is it SOLE possession?) Of this sportsbook? What exactly qualifies one to be in possession? Is doesn't seem to be exactly territorial, its more about the ledger? Where did this book come from? Gervasi had it. Giordano had it. Valiquette had it. DelBalso had it. What's the criteria exactly?
Was this the same Book Montagna demanded 25 percent of? And Mirarchi balked? So why doesn't Mirarchi have it?
