Both Di Maulo and Desjardins have established ties to the Bonanno family since at least the early 1970s. They accompanied Paolo Violi to represent Montreal's vote for the election of Rastelli in 1973. Di Maulo was a close Cotroni associate since 1960 and has been part of the Montreal decina since. When Vitale met with Vito Rizzuto in Montreal, Di Maulo was also present and later took Vitale with him to introduce him to others. A week before Desjardins faced an attempt on his life he was seen traveling to New York.