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Three times the Demitri family frantically abandoned their home and fled. Twice was in Italy, fearing the Mafia. The third time, in May, was in Toronto, running from Canadian immigration officers.

They’ve lived in hiding ever since.

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“It is weird when you are hiding from an officer instead of someone from the Mafia, because you would expect to be hiding from the bad guys. Now, the bad guys are people who should be the good guys,” said the mother of four children who, along with her husband, sought refugee protection in Canada in 2013.

The Demitris, both in their 40s, came out of hiding — wearing disguises as they travelled — to tell their dramatic story.

She is a child of the Mafia. Although born into the high echelons of a notorious crime clan in southern Italy, she turned her back on their underworld traditions at a young age, she said.

The Demitri family spoke to the National Post on condition their first names not be published and the last name of her crime family not be used.