Man shot dead in Vaughan had alleged Mafia links

A man shot and killed in the parking lot of a Vaughan strip mall on Thursday has alleged Mafia links.

Carmine Verduci, 56, was gunned down outside the Regina Sports Café on Regina Road around 2 p.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Man shot dead in Vaughan, body found in parking lot

Verduci was among several men living in Canada named in a report compiled by Italian prosecutors. The report summarized the findings of a two-year investigation by Italian police into the 'Ndrangheta — a network of criminal organizations founded and based in Calabria, Italy. 

York Regional Police released a statement Friday confirming Verduci as the shooting victim, they made no mention of his alleged Mafia ties. 

Police said they are searching for a grey or silver Honda Civic, or similar vehicle, that was seen by witnesses close to where the incident occurred. 

They are also looking for two male suspects, both described as white. One of the suspects has a short, slim build and was wearing a black or grey hoodie and dark-coloured baggy pants. 

Police are asking any members of the public with potentially useful information to contact the York Regional Police homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423 at extension 7865 or email them at homicide@yrp.ca, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS and leave an anonymous tip.