Montreal, United Kingdom – A violent power struggle is escalating in Montreal’s criminal underworld, pitting alleged mafia boss Atna Onha against hitman Frédérick Silva, according to reports surfacing this week. The conflict, marked by a bounty placed on Silva’s head, has prompted an unusual turn of events: Silva is reportedly cooperating with police. This development signals a significant shift in the landscape of organized crime in Canada, and raises questions about the future of Onha’s network.
Atna Onha, 40, has quietly risen to prominence within Canadian organized crime circles over the past decade. While largely unknown to the general public until recently, Onha is described by law enforcement as a key figure in international cocaine trafficking, with connections to major cartels. His arrest in November 2025 at the request of the FBI brought his activities into sharper focus, as he now faces potential extradition to the United States on charges related to drug trafficking and murder. The charges stem from allegations that Onha commissioned the killing of Jonathan Acebedo Garcia in Colombia, allegedly on behalf of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned international drug trafficker.
The Rise of Atna Onha: From Shadowy Figure to International Target
Onha’s ascent within the criminal hierarchy has been described as “under the radar” by those familiar with the Canadian underworld. He is believed to control multiple gangs and has been engaged in a conflict with both the Mafia and outlaw motorcycle gangs. According to sources cited in reporting by La Presse, Onha’s influence extends to a network of allies, including figures within major international drug cartels. La Presse detailed his involvement in cocaine importation dating back to the early 2010s.
The case against Onha centers around the alleged murder of Jonathan Acebedo Garcia, who was reportedly collaborating with the FBI in an investigation targeting Ryan Wedding, also known as “The Snowboarder.” Wedding is currently on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a reward of up to $10 million USD for information leading to his arrest. CBC News reported that Wedding faces federal charges related to three murders and a large-scale cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Authorities believe Onha ordered Garcia’s murder to protect Wedding’s operation, a move that, if proven, could lead to additional charges in the United States related to obstructing justice and acting on behalf of a cartel.
A law enforcement source quoted in La Presse emphasized the significance of Onha’s alleged actions, stating that being entrusted with a hit in Colombia by someone like Wedding demonstrates a high level of danger and influence. “If Ryan Wedding gives you the mission to go kill someone in Colombia and you succeed, that means you are extremely dangerous and influential,” the source said. “That someone of this caliber would entrust that to a Quebec criminal is unprecedented.”
The Silva Factor: A Hitman’s Shift in Allegiance
The current escalation stems from a bounty placed on the head of Frédérick Silva, a known hitman, by Atna Onha. Still, this has taken an unexpected turn, with Silva now reportedly cooperating with police. Le Journal de Montréal reports that Onha inadvertently prompted Silva to collaborate with law enforcement. The details of Silva’s cooperation remain largely undisclosed, but the move represents a significant blow to Onha’s operations and a potential turning point in the conflict.
The reasons behind Silva’s decision to cooperate are currently unclear. Silva felt betrayed by Onha, feared retribution from rival factions, or was offered a deal by authorities in exchange for information. Regardless of the motivation, Silva’s cooperation provides law enforcement with a valuable inside perspective on Onha’s organization and its activities.
Implications for Organized Crime in Canada
The feud between Onha and Silva highlights the volatile nature of organized crime and the constant power struggles that occur within it. Onha’s alleged connections to international drug cartels and his conflict with both the Mafia and motorcycle gangs demonstrate the complex web of relationships that characterize the Canadian underworld. His potential extradition to the United States could disrupt these networks and lead to further instability.
The cooperation of Frédérick Silva with police could provide crucial evidence in the cases against Onha and Wedding, potentially leading to further arrests and convictions. It also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime, as criminals are often willing to switch allegiances and cooperate with authorities to protect themselves or advance their own interests.
Onha’s Legal Battles and Extradition Proceedings
Atna Onha is currently facing extradition proceedings to the United States, where he is wanted on charges related to the murder of Jonathan Acebedo Garcia and drug trafficking. He appeared in Montreal court in November 2025 to commence the extradition process. The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and complex, as Onha’s lawyers are likely to challenge the extradition request on various grounds.
The extradition case will likely focus on the evidence presented by the FBI, including testimony from witnesses and forensic evidence linking Onha to the murder of Garcia. Onha’s defense team will likely argue that the evidence is insufficient to justify his extradition or that his rights were violated during the investigation. The outcome of the extradition proceedings will have significant implications for both Onha and the ongoing investigation into Ryan Wedding’s criminal network.
The case also raises questions about the sovereignty of Canadian law enforcement and the extent to which foreign agencies can request the extradition of individuals accused of crimes committed abroad. The Canadian government will ultimately decide whether to grant the extradition request, taking into consideration the evidence presented by the United States and the potential impact on Canada’s legal system.
Key Takeaways
- Atna Onha, a rising figure in Canadian organized crime, faces extradition to the US on murder and drug trafficking charges.
- The conflict between Onha and hitman Frédérick Silva has taken a surprising turn with Silva reportedly cooperating with police.
- Onha’s alleged connections to international drug cartels and his conflict with other criminal groups highlight the complexity of the Canadian underworld.
- The extradition proceedings will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
As of February 20, 2026, the status of the extradition proceedings remains ongoing. The next court date for Atna Onha is scheduled for March 15, 2026, where arguments regarding the admissibility of evidence will be heard. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks. Readers are encouraged to follow World Today Journal for continued coverage of this developing story and to share their thoughts in the comments below.