Laval Police Launch Major Offensive Against ‘greeks of Chomedey’ Gang Amid Surge in Extortion Crimes
Laval, Quebec – A wave of extortion targeting businesses across Laval has prompted a large-scale police operation, as authorities seek to dismantle the “Greeks of Chomedey” gang and encourage victims to come forward. The offensive comes following the recent assassination of the gang’s leader, Charalambos Theologou, also known as “Bobby the Greek,” an event that authorities say has not diminished the criminal activity.
The Laval Police Service (SPL) is implementing a “zero tolerance” policy towards extortion, with a particular focus on the Greeks of Chomedey, who are believed to be at the center of the escalating crisis. “The fight against extortion is zero tolerance.The violence must stop and we place the Greeks of Chomedey gang at the heart of our priorities,” stated SPL spokesperson Sergeant Ménard.
The surge in extortion is notably concerning as it deviates from previous years, where extortion-related crimes typically decreased after August. Instead,Laval police recorded 27 incidents in October and November alone.
The SPL has publicly identified the Greeks of Chomedey as a primary suspect, despite acknowledging the difficulty in establishing direct involvement in each case. The gang’s former leader, Charalambos Theologou, was fatally shot in broad daylight at a crowded café on October 1st. “A running machine relies on several players, not just one,” Ménard explained. “It is a known gang, involved in various criminal activities, including extortion. Different files and complainants led us to them. If we release their names publicly, it is because we know that they are important players in these crimes and we think that we are putting our efforts in the right places.”
Authorities have noted a diversification in the tactics used by extortionists, with car dealerships and construction companies now becoming targets alongside customary establishments like bars and restaurants. There is growing concern that some business owners, fearing retribution, are complying with demands or even closing their doors. “Our hypothesis, if there is a lull for licensed establishments, it is indeed as owners have started paying the extortionists or have given up and closed shop,” Ménard lamented.
In response, the SPL launched “Project vigilance” this Wednesday, deploying at least twenty officers to visit over 180 businesses in the coming days. The project involves both uniformed officers and investigators from the intelligence section,with the goal of identifying and arresting the masterminds behind the extortion scheme,not just the low-level perpetrators – often teenagers recruited through social media for small sums of money.
“You have to go head on and get over it,” Ménard asserted. “We will ask merchants to collaborate with us with complete confidence, as each piece of details can make a difference. Our objective is to recover the small pieces of the puzzle that we are missing from various investigation files to allow us to put the lid on the pot.”
Recognizing the fear that prevents victims from speaking out,the SPL is emphasizing its commitment to protecting those who cooperate. “It can be arduous to get traders to talk,” Ménard admitted. “We tell them that they must trust us and that there will be no reprisals, even if they have put an arm in the process. It is indeed a relationship of trust to be built, one company at a time, so the reason to work on the problem in a massive way.Otherwise, we will cut off a tentacle from the octopus and it will grow back elsewhere.”
Crucially, the SPL has stated that businesses who have already paid extortion money will not be prosecuted. “If traders paid money to gangs, we will not make them criminals,” Ménard clarified.”We will consider them as victims. They must not fear us and must embark with us.”
SPL Prevention Advice for Traders:
- Raise awareness among their staff to recognize suspicious behavior
- Document incidents (date, time, description, evidence)
- Report any suspicious events immediately to the police
- Install security devices (cameras, alarms, lighting, protective films on windows)
- Use discreet alert systems (panic buttons, silent alarms)
