QUEBEC—The saga of Maurice "Mom" Boucher, former leader of the Hells Angels, serves as a cautionary tale about loyalty, betrayal, and the high stakes of the criminal underworld. His downfall, orchestrated by the very man he deemed trustworthy, Stéphane "Godasse" Gagné, marks one of the most significant turning points in Quebec's organized crime history.
The chain of events leading to Boucher's demise began between December 5 and 8, 1997. This period is marked by action and tension, with Gagné's decision to collaborate with law enforcement setting off ripples of unrest within the Hells Angels ranks. Gagné's transformation from trusted lieutenant to informant has been closely documented, underscoring the perilous nature of loyalty within criminal organizations.
On December 5, 1997, Gagné found himself at Boucher's lavish estate in Contrecœur. The weather was uncooperative, with heavy snow hampering their planned operations. He even used Boucher's cellphone to order food, unknowingly alerting law enforcement monitoring the call. Unknown to Gagné, this innocent action was the tip of the iceberg, unraveling the entire framework of the Hells Angels’ operations.
Within hours, police surveillance teams were watching closely as members of the gang arrived at the bunker in Sorel. Police noted the jovial demeanor of Boucher, who entertained two members even as his empire began crumbling. But dark clouds loomed as Gagné learned of the presence of another accomplice, Steve Boies, who had been arrested and was rumored to be cooperating with authorities. This betrayal shook Gagné's confidence, prompting him to make decisions with dire consequences.
Gagné's last-minute attempts to sever ties with the gang became futile when he was arrested after his encounter with police on December 6. Just as he planned to run away, law enforcement apprehended him and his partner. "Police! T'es en état d'arrestation pour tentative de meurtre!" shouted Officer Luc Arbour, signaling the start of Gagné's transformation from enforcer to key witness.
During his time at the SQ headquarters, Gagné found himself under intense interrogation from investigator Robert Pigeon. After hours of questioning, Gagné's resolve broke. He learned of the need for self-preservation and agreed to turn informant, willing to incriminate Boucher for the murders of two prison guards.
By December 8, the suspense reached its peak. Reports circulated within the Hells Angels about Gagné's new role as a snitch. Normand Robitaille, another member, relayed the shocking news to Boucher over the phone: "Ç'a d'l'air que Godasse serait viré délateur," he informed Boucher, who responded with disbelief. “C'est vrai ça?” questioned Boucher, trying to grasp the shocking development.
Confirming his fears after hearing Gagné's responses at his court appearance, Boucher faced the reality of Gagné’s betrayal. Boucher’s nervous laughter over the phone gave way to the resignation encapsulated by his later response: "C'est du solide." The enormity of Gagné's disclosure propelled Boucher toward the legal troubles, exposing him to the full weight of justice.
Gagné’s decision to cooperate was not merely personal; it was emblematic of the chaos within the criminal underworld during the biker wars, where trust is as precarious as life. His cooperation helped law enforcement dismantle not just Boucher's operations but cast light on the violent histories entangling rival gangs.
The downfall of Maurice "Mom" Boucher remains significant within the narrative of organized crime. His image, once synonymous with power and fear, is now marred by betrayal and treachery. Gagné's role as informant eventually led to Boucher’s conviction, serving both as proof of Gagné’s survival instincts and the ultimate fate of gang leaders who push loyalty to the brink.
The consequences of these events rippled through the province. It is remembered today by those who witnessed these turbulent times, where allegiances shifted overnight, and one betrayal led to another's downfall. The story of Gagné and Boucher is one of the darkest chapters of criminal activity, illustrating the high stakes of organized crime and the personal costs of survival.