Rob Ford's Toronto

[FraudNation]

I always assumed that there was a lot of dirt to be dug here.

I am an outsider from Calgary, my interest in RoFo is purely entertainment. I have asked a handful of old timers I know here in the development/construction biz about corruption (trustworthy men,IMO, for what it's worth). None of them had a (or heard of) a direct experience with kickbacks, crooked inspectors or anything else in that realm.

I'm fascinated that the "mob" really does get involved out there. My wild speculation involves a big group of big men in big suits making big deals with Rob "Bigtime" Ford, and him reveling in the fantasy that he's a "somebody", but really, just a doofus in their eyes, and DoFo just a conduit to RoFo, not an actual "player".

Anyway, really hope for Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the title role, with a 100 pound heavier Nick Nolte as DoFo.

 

[Dubster]

I always assumed that there was a lot of dirt to be dug here.

Well if you really want to get a nice, paranoid theory out there, here's the Star on connections between the mafia and casinos.

Incidentally, Ford met Adelson, who runs Sands and was under investigation from the SEC for corruption and organized crime ties, in August. But the article above has this quote:

In a lawsuit against his former employer, Steven Jacobs also accuses the Sands management of tolerating the activity of organized crime in Macau, and of secretly investigating government officials in order to use “improper leverage” against them. In plain language, that’s called blackmail. And while that suit has not been settled, Sands was recently hit with a ruling that it hid evidence and deceived the judge in the case.

In light of that, there's this very weird comment on a City News article on the crack video:

Message from Ndrangheta Mafia to Toronto Police: Thanks for giving us copy of Rob Ford crack video!!!

 

[FraudNation]

That would make more sense (RE bizarro behavior) than the current explanation "anything else?".

Except, I assume that the real mob doesn't care about publicity, so maybe a joke?

 

[One Nut Kruk]

^^
This. He was talking, but I was so distracted by that badger curled up on his head that I couldn't stop staring at it.

Haha.

 

[Peepers]

In light of that, there's this very weird comment on a City News article on the crack video:

That is a very interesting comment. Of course anybody can type anything on an anonymous internet forum but I found similar cryptic comments on a story involving a drug bust:

Message from Police to Toronto Underground or Ndrangheta Mafia says:
Message from Police to Toronto Underground or Ndrangheta Mafia: We want our share of the pie or else!!!

http://www.citynews.ca/2013/09/05/police-from-across-gta-canada-involved-in-meth-lab-bust/

It is interesting to note that the Ndrangheta Mafia seem to operate with impunity in this city so it could be that they have infiltrated elements of the police force. Speaking of Police - a comment posted above suggested that Rob Ford did not submit to a police criminal check when he applied to coach at Don Bosco but rather Bill Blair provided a letter of reference. I don't know if there is any truth to this allegation (posted to social media) but if there is I would hope that the media is digging into this for evidence (should be easy to find). If in fact Bill Blair provided a letter vouching for Ford this would be very significant in my opinion.

 

[pattycakes]

The Grid has weighed in on the latest Ford SNAFU:

http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/the-sandro-lisi-reference-letter-on-our-city-stationery/

I think he's right, it's not the letter, it's the timing of the letter.

 

[newearthling]

I know several people here have sources within the police and the media, in addition to MM. I think both of those groups should be perusing this forum to get ideas for stories/investigations! While yes, there is a lot of speculation going on, a lot of people are doing some great research as well.

 

[Peepers]

The Grid has weighed in on the latest Ford SNAFU:

http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/the-sandro-lisi-reference-letter-on-our-city-stationery/

I think he's right, it's not the letter, it's the timing of the letter.

On the same day that he wrote the letter a confident Ford told the SUN that he would "absolutely survive" the crack scandal.

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/06/0...ly-survive-crack-cocaine-scandal?noimage=true

 

[evvabeing]

someone should look into whether or not the girlfriend is elena johnson (basso)...

His girlfriend, whom he would not identify to the Star, went to school with Ford and was “a very close friend,” the tribunal heard.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/201..._reinstate_stuntdriving_tow_truck_driver.html

 

[pattycakes]

CBC just reported that they have parole records for the tow truck driver, he violated parole several times after his conviction for murder. You'll never guess what kind of violations; drugs/trafficking. Surprise!

 

[pattycakes]

someone should look into whether or not the girlfriend is elena johnson (basso)...



http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/201..._reinstate_stuntdriving_tow_truck_driver.html

Funny, that's who I thought of too!

 

[evvabeing]

That's been reported in the past.

some people on here got mad at me a couple of months ago when i brought this up... said it was irrelevant. wonder if those same people think that now...

 

[ParkdalePetunia]

Funny, that's who I thought of too!

Third. It was the first thing that popped to mind when I read that.

I am even more convinced now that the Ford's are and have been involved in drug trafficking and that Doug is the real criminal, Rob's a pawn.

 

[Peepers]

More kid-glove treatment for man accused as an accessory in the Anthony Smith murder. His bail conditions have been altered allowing him to leave the Province.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/accused-in-anthony-smith-slaying-has-bail-altered-1.2159005

 

[PinkLucy]

Rob is no pawn. He may not be the kingpin, but he's not a pawn.