Ricardo Diaz

Ricardo Diaz is the extremely dangerous and volatile individual behind the ambush of Tommy Vercetti's drug deal. He is also the head of his own gang, and a leader in the city's drug trade. Diaz later recruits Vercetti to run errands for him, but eventually Vercetti discovers Diaz' role and takes him out, seizing his estate in the process. Diaz bribed the INS for a green card in 1978, after entering the country from Colombia. His contacts there believe he is a major player in the illegal drug industry and anti-government activity.

Diaz is an extremely popular philanthropist who gives money to foundations across Vice City and Central and South America; however, this is believed to be no more than a front. He is short and balding, and suffers from the Napoleon complex. His medical records show he has over-active glands and sweats more than is socially acceptable. He is a noted gun collector and is almost always armed; he has a private militia and therefore is heavily guarded at all times. He has been involved in a long-running battle for control of the drug business in Vice City and has bribed most police officers and politicians in town. He is feared due to his reputation of unpredictable behavior and may be responsible for 18 murders.

Ricardo's foul temper and hot headed personality is demonstrated in the game with his constant destruction of items, either by hand or by whatever weapon is available. For example, he shot his VCR because he believed it was broken- even though it was just unplugged; shooting birds that crapped on his car; and knocking down and stamping on a television set after he watched a horse that he bet on lose a race.

Ricardo lives in a mansion in the affluent neighborhood of Starfish Island. Dubbed Diaz Mansion, the interior of the home closely resembles that of fictional drug lord Tony Montana from the 1983 film Scarface. His clothing is also an exact copy of what Tony Montana wore in Scarface's famous chainsaw torture scene. Ricardo Diaz's first name is also similar to that of Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs, a major Miami Vice character.