Police in Laval, north of Montreal, are launching an operation targeting criminal gangs following a spike in the number of restaurants and businesses facing acts of extortion and violence. According to police, criminal organizations like the Greeks of Chomedey have been involved in extortion schemes in Laval. The group’s leader, 40-year-old Charalambos Theologou, who also went by the name Bobby the Greek, was shot and killed in broad daylight at a Starbucks last October. Figures provided by Laval police (SPL) show cases of extortion have more than doubled in the past four years. “We have also seen during the last months envelopes with bullets delivered at different shops, restaurants,” said Karine Ménard, assistant director of the SPL’s Criminal Investigation Division, in an interview Wednesday. Police announced they are launching “preventive and investigative actions” in Project Vigilance, which aims to strengthen collaboration with merchants. In 2022, the force recorded 34 extortion-related incidents in Laval. The number rose to 59 the following year. Another increase happened in 2024 (61). As of Nov. 30, 2025, police recorded 76 incidents, 15 of which happened in the last 30 days. “Our message is clear: violence by criminal organizations in Laval must stop. We ask merchants to collaborate with us in complete confidence, because every piece of information can really make a difference in putting an end to these activities,” said Karine Ménard, assistant director of the SPL’s Criminal Investigation Division. Montreal has also seen a wave of extortion incidents targeting bars and restaurants in recent years. Last June, Montreal police arrested 13 suspects after more than 100 officers carried out a series of raids across the island. Investigators say criminals demand protection money from business owners, and if they refuse to pay up, they threaten them, firebomb the business or bombard it with gunfire. In Laval, criminal gangs are getting bolder and younger. Police say in some cases, these criminal organizations recruit minors to help carry out extortion attempts. Laval police say they plan to start opening a dialogue with around 200 merchants, starting with courtesy visits by officers “to break the silence” and get a better understanding of the danger they face. “We just need to get the confidence of the citizens and business owners so they can talk to us about this phenomenon,” Karine said. Project Vigilance also includes enhanced police presence and targeted interventions. “The SPL would like to remind merchants and businesses that have been forced to pay money to criminal groups or individuals in the context of extortion that they are not considered criminals, but rather victims. The police are there to help them free themselves from this grip and advise them on the protective measures that can be put in place,” the SPL said. Anyone with information about acts of intimidation or extortion can call 911 or the Info-Police line at 450-662-INFO (4636). Police are also offering prevention tips to businesses: With files from CTV News’ Swidda Rassy
