The country’s most wanted fugitive, Dave “Pik” Turmel, has been arrested in Italy, police sources have confirmed to Radio-Canada.
The 28-year-old, who has been on the run for over a year, is believed to be the leader of the Blood Family Mafia (BFM).
The notorious street gang is involved in brutal turf wars in Quebec during which victims have been tortured and have had their limbs amputated.
In December, Turmel was named as the new number 1 suspect of the Bolo Program, a project operated by a Canadian charity to alert the public about dangerous criminals.
He had been wanted since July 24, 2023 by Quebec City police for several charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy and armed assault.
The police agency Interpol had also issued a red notice for him — a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.
A spokesperson with the Quebec City police says they could not confirm or deny Turmel’s arrest in Italy.
Last year, Roobens Denis, 31, considered by police to be Turmel’s right-hand man, was arrested in Portugal.