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Written by Jane Gerster Copy Editor, Digital News
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Good morning. Italy is looking to extradite an Ontario man over alleged mob ties, but how successful it'll be remains to be seen. Haitians across the U.S. fear for their future as Donald Trump ends the protected status they were granted more than a decade ago. Plus, what you should know about the alleged scam that wiped out a Canadian couple's retirement savings — and what Mexican authorities are doing about it.
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FEATURED STORIES
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(Ontario Superior Court of Justice)
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Mafia fugitive or innocent son? Italy seeks to extradite Ontario man
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Carlo Bruzzese is a dual Italian-Canadian citizen living in Vaughan, near Toronto.
What's happening: Toronto police arrested the father of four in April based on an arrest warrant under the Extradition Act. Bruzzese is wanted by Italy, where he was convicted in absentia in 2012 of mafia association. Prosecutors allege he is a high-ranking operative in the Calabrian 'ndrangheta crime syndicate. His father and father-in-law are both purported mob bosses, previously expelled from Canada.
Why it matters: It's not clear what's pushing Rome to take action now, though a Canadian government lawyer says that's beside the point. Bruzzese's lawyer says they'll fight the extradition. Canadian law only allows extradition if the alleged offence is considered a crime in both countries. Crown lawyers contend mafia association is akin to participation in a criminal organization, but a federal judge ruled otherwise in 2014 in the case of Bruzzese's father, who was deported rather than extradited.
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As Trump ends protected status, Haitians in the U.S. fear for their future
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The temporary protected status designation allowing more than 300,000 Haitians to live and work in the U.S. expires on Monday.
What's happening: Haitians were first granted the status after the devastating 2010 earthquake. It was extended repeatedly owing to gang violence that has continued to destabilize the country. But late last year, President Donald Trump said he planned to terminate the status — a move upheld by the Supreme Court last month.
Why it matters: Many Haitians now fear being targeted for detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and advocates say panic and a sense of hopelessness are prevalent. Haitians are anxiously mulling their options, given Haiti's capital remains under the near-total control of criminal gangs. Some have already lost their jobs in advance of their status changing. Some have filed asylum claims, while others are considering trying to enter Canada.
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Mexican authorities probe alleged scam that wiped out Canadian couple's retirement savings
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A British national promised the Curve Lake, Ont., couple "100 per cent profit" in a condo-flip deal.
What's happening: Cindy Thompson and Glenn Brown's retirement savings were wiped out after they sent $280,000 to a company that advertised properties repossessed by banks. Thompson saw the company was registered in Florida and believed the British man behind it to be legitimate. They spoke repeatedly on the phone and met face to face in the Mexican resort town Playa del Carmen, in Quintana Roo. They signed their purchase agreement and sent their money — but say they never got their keys. Now, the state's deputy prosecutor has taken up the case.
Why it matters: According to the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, the country loses roughly $48 million every year to scams. The Quintana Roo government is tightening regulations and has created databases, one showing licensed real estate agents and another showing those who've been sanctioned, though that doesn't stop unlicensed people from making sales. Your best bet, experts say, is to work with established brands.
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