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Police in Laval, Quebec, say they are cracking down on a gang that extorts restaurants and other businesses in the city.
The gang, known as the Chomedey Greeks, is still active, the Laval police service (SPAL) said in a press release on Wednesday, despite the recent shooting death of its alleged leader.
“SPAL reaffirms its policy of zero tolerance towards extortion and wishes to put an end to these illegal activities carried out by criminal groups, including the Chomedey Greeks,” said Karine Ménard, deputy director of the criminal investigations division of the Laval police.
“We ask business owners to work with us with complete confidence, because every piece of information can make a real difference in putting an end to these activities.”
Extortion cases are rising in Laval, police said, even as the city’s criminal landscape changes following the brazen daylight shooting of Charalambos Theologou, an organized crime figure known as “Bobby the Greek.”
Officers will proactively meet with local businesses in a bid to help them deal with potential extortion threats from gangs such as the Chomedey Greeks. As of October 31, 2025, Laval police say they have opened 61 files related to reports of extortion.
Theologou, former leader of the Chomedey Greeks, was murdered inside a Laval Starbucks in October. According to police sources, police who had been following Theologou were present at the cafe when he was murdered. Two of his collaborators were also injured in the shooting. So far no one has been arrested in connection with his death.
The Chomedey Greeks were known for their involvement in restaurant extortion.
After the murder, CBC consulted police documents that revealed the depth of Theologou’s alleged involvement in extortion and drug trafficking.
Handwritten ledgers found in Theologou’s home as part of a 2019 homicide investigation showed the names of Montreal-area restaurants along with dollar amounts, sometimes exceeding $100,000.
A police affidavit filed at the time said the lists showed people and companies being extorted by Theologou.
The documents and other materials, including drugs and a bulletproof vest, reinforced investigators’ view that Theologou was the head of an active drug trafficking and extortion ring.
Despite his death, Laval police said they have noticed an increase in extortion attempts and changes in the gangs’ extortion tactics. As of October 31, 2025, 61 files linked to extortion complaints have been opened.
Police say they will proactively visit businesses to help them manage extortion attempts and encourage them to speak out.
“Merchants and companies that have been forced to pay money to criminal groups or individuals in the context of extortion are not considered criminals, but victims,” says the SPAL press release.
“It is essential to report any suspicious or criminal activity. Every tip can make a difference in an investigation and support evidence gathered in ongoing police investigations, helping to bring charges.”
Police say businesses can protect themselves by reporting any cases of extortion to police by calling 911 in an emergency or calling 450 662-INFO (4636). They can also install alarm systems and make sure their employees are on the lookout for suspicious activity, police said.
