Nicolo Rizzuto was smiling and waving to family members after the 84-year-old father of the reputed head of the Montreal Mafia was given a suspended sentence and probation on yesterday.The Crown acknowledged police were not thorough enough in following the money trail in their investigation of Rizzuto, the father of alleged Mafia kingpin Vito Rizzuto.Nicolo Rizzuto pleaded guilty last month to two charges -- possessing goods obtained through criminal gains and possession of proceeds of crime for the benefit of a criminal organization.Crown prosecutor Yvan Poulin noted that Rizzuto had already served two years and the court decided that would count as four years."So, today he's gonna be on probation for three years,'' Poulin said.
Poulin said evidence gathered by the RCMP during a four-year investigation showed Rizzuto possessed an unknown amount of proceeds of crime.Rizzuto was arrested as part of a large police sweep in November 2006 dubbed Project Colisee.Rizzuto's grandson and other close family members were among those who packed the courtroom for the sentencing.Poulin said the prosecution decided to suggest a sentence of four years after considering Rizzuto's age and fragile health.They also took into consideration the limited role he played in the organization which was involved in importing and exporting drugs through Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal.A total of $4 million was seized during the 2006 police operation but Poulin said no money was confiscated at Rizzuto's home.Rizzuto was expected to be freed from prison last night.Four other alleged Mafiosi who also pleaded guilty to various charges, including gangsterism, were sentenced along with Rizzuto and were given prison terms of between six and 15 years.

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