Toronto real estate broker Simon Giannini, 54, was gunned down in a brazen hit at Michael's On Simcoe Restaurant on September 16, 2017. The killing, which occurred in front of 150 witnesses, has long puzzled investigators. Now, the Toronto Sun has learned that Giannini was involved in money laundering for a South Asian organized crime group based on the West Coast.
A Professional Hit
The gunman, described as cool, well-prepared, and determined, was guided by an earphone and undeterred by the crowded steakhouse. He pumped bullets into Giannini before fleeing in a white SUV. Det. Sgt. Steve Smith of the Toronto Police cold case unit stated: "The public nature of the hit tells us that someone was sending a message. He made someone angry enough to kill him."
Money Laundering Connection
Police now believe the murder was ordered by organized crime figures from Vancouver. Giannini had been laundering money through real estate transactions for the gang. "He was active in money laundering that linked him to organized criminals from Vancouver," Smith said. The investigation initially explored other motives, including Giannini's contentious divorce and his brother Frank's alleged illicit activities in Thailand, but those leads were ruled out.
Cold Case Investigation
The killer left minimal evidence, making the case challenging. However, Smith's cold case unit has a strong track record, having solved murders dating back to the 1980s, including the 1984 killing of Christine Jessop. "We're looking at the murder of Simon Giannini again. And we will get the persons responsible," Smith vowed. "The killer and the person who ordered it."
The investigation continues, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
