Quebec corruption inquiry looks at real-estate reach of late Mafia boss

MONTREAL – Quebec’s corruption inquiry is hearing about the reach of the Mafia in real-estate transactions.

The Charbonneau Commission is looking closely today at the role late Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto played in the infiltration of organized crime into the construction industry.

The probe is hearing wiretaps gathered by police about 10 years ago during their Colisee investigation into the Mob.

The conversations centre on a prestigious Old Montreal condo project where owners included some of the more infamous names in organized crime in the province.

Inquiry investigator Eric Vecchio is the final witness this week before the commission breaks until April 8 — the day after the Quebec election.

Vecchio called Rizzuto a “man of compromise” who was more interested in mediating and playing referee than relying only on violence.

The investigator says Rizzuto’s ability to keep everyone happy explains his long reign in local organized crime.