Faced with the increase in cases of extortion, some of which are perpetrated by teenagers, the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) implored merchants and parents to collaborate with the authorities on Thursday during a press conference.
The SPVM was reacting in particular to the suspicious fire which caused two victims in Old Montreal and to the shots fired against a property of lawyer Emile Benamor in recent days. Following this latest incident, three young people aged 17 to 20 were arrested by the police.
In both cases, the police suspect criminal groups of using young offenders to carry out their dirty deeds.
“We approached the parents of several young people aged 14, 15, 16, to tell them that their children were on a worrying trajectory. Sometimes, unfortunately, some parents don’t listen, or don’t believe it. They are convinced that their child is not linked to crime. But if we knock on your door, it’s not a coincidence, it’s because we have information that allows us to believe that your child is heading in the wrong direction,” insisted Fady Dagher, director of the SPVM.
“It works when we can work together, we can save lives. But please don’t close the door. »
Mr. Dagher also described the employment of minors by criminal gangs as “disgusting”.
“It’s cowardly,” he added. Especially since they were young people who were looking for an ideal in life. They wanted to be listened to, loved. The criminal community knows this, and knows how to trap them. Experienced street gang members manage to convince them by promising them quick money. As a result, these young people fall into the trap. »
Advocating a balanced mix of repression and prevention, he urged parents who noticed suspicious changes in their children to “make the ‘village’ work.”
“The village is the partners, the teachers, the parents, but also the police. If you observe changes in behavior among your young people, changing class attendance, poor attendance, late return times, irregularities in attendance, running away, all of these are extremely important signs that can prevent a crisis. I implore you, if you are approached about your child, answer the phone, answer the door. »
A growing phenomenon
Francis Renaud, head of the SPVM’s Organized Crime Section, estimated that between 30 and 40 cases of extortion have been recorded in his territory this summer alone, in the form of threats, arson or shootings. All to force traders to pay a form of tax to criminal groups. The phenomenon, which first appeared in the northern suburbs and in Laval, is now very present in the city center and in several Montreal boroughs.
“The phenomenon of extortion is not new,” said Fady Dagher. When I started as a police officer in the 1990s, we were already fighting this phenomenon. At that time, we were mainly talking about members of organized crime linked to the Italian mafia or bikers. The actors and the context have changed, but the goal remains the same. »
The arrival of new players independent of large criminal organizations has increased the threats.
“What is different at the moment is that traders no longer know where to turn, because there are several factions who use extortion as a means of making money,” said Francis Renaud. One day, you may have a visit from a certain individual, working on the payroll of group A. And the next day, another on the payroll of group B. We are being extorted from all sides, from all sides. [Dans cette situation]it’s easy for a trader to fall into a form of gear. »
To combat this form of blackmail, the SPVM will task the Organized Crime Section with coordinating all investigations targeting extortion crimes against merchants.
He also calls for better collaboration from business owners.
“If you are a merchant and you are the victim of threats, do not give in to them,” warned the director of the SPVM. Contact us quickly. Our teams have great expertise in the field and must be made aware very quickly, from the first approaches, to help you. The very first step is to call us quickly. »