Montreal police are intensifying their efforts to combat organized crime and the recruitment of teenagers into street gangs. Police Chief Fady Dagher has urged business owners and concerned parents to reach out to them if they need help. This comes after a recent spate of firebombing incidents believed to be linked to extortion attempts. Seven teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17, suspected to belong to a gang in the St-Léonard borough, have been arrested for violent crimes such as robbery, firearms offenses, arson, and extortion. Montreal police are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to tackle organized crime.
Local merchants are being encouraged to contact the police if they experience extortion, threats, or other forms of violence. Dagher emphasized the importance of acting quickly to prevent the situation from escalating. Parents are also urged to monitor their children closely and seek help if they suspect involvement in gangs. Dagher emphasized that if the police contact or visit a household to discuss a child’s activities, it is not a random occurrence and parents should cooperate with them. Prevention is crucial in deterring teenagers from becoming involved in criminal activities, as they may initially be lured by the promise of money and prestige but later find it difficult to leave due to fear.
The leader of the Parti Québécois has called for legislative hearings to gather testimonies from parents, police, and community groups about the increasing recruitment of youth by organized crime. This recruitment has led to feelings of insecurity in Montreal, as teens are being used as “cannon fodder” to commit crimes such as car theft, fraud, and murder. Quebec Premier François Legault has described the trend of youth recruitment by criminal groups as appalling and unacceptable, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue. The government is committed to supporting law enforcement efforts to dismantle organized crime networks and protect young people from being exploited.
The police chief’s public plea for assistance from business owners and parents is part of a broader strategy to tackle the growing influence of organized crime and street gangs in Montreal. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, the province’s Crown prosecutor’s office, and other departments are aimed at disrupting criminal activities and dismantling criminal networks. By encouraging the community to report suspicious activities and providing support to vulnerable youth, the police aim to prevent further incidents of violence and extortion. The focus is on early intervention and prevention to stop the cycle of youth recruitment into criminal organizations.
In response to the escalating problem of youth recruitment by organized crime, Montreal police are taking proactive measures to address the issue. By reaching out to business owners, parents, and the community at large, law enforcement agencies are seeking to create a safer environment for young people and prevent them from being exploited by criminal groups. Legislative hearings and political calls for action underscore the severity of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to combat organized crime and protect vulnerable youth. Through a combination of law enforcement efforts, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns, authorities are working towards dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of Montreal residents.
