A shooting occurred at a Mr. Puffs café in Laval, Quebec, which is believed to have been used as a base by a gang leader who was recently killed. This incident marked the third shooting within 48 hours in the city, following Laval police’s announcement of a crackdown on extortion.
On Thursday, two cafés were targeted by gunfire within a short span of 20 minutes. Laval police mentioned on Friday that it was premature to determine if these shootings were linked, with organized crime investigators currently looking into the matter.
Following the fatal shooting of Charalambos Theologou, also known as Bobby the Greek, at a Starbucks outlet, Mr. Puffs issued a statement refuting any association with him. Reports had suggested that Theologou, the alleged leader of an extortion-related gang called the Greeks of Chomedey, had set up a headquarters at the Mr. Puffs café.
In response to the allegations, Mr. Puffs categorically denied any form of connection with Theologou or any criminal organization, emphasizing no commercial, financial, or operational ties. The café was empty at the time of the shooting, and Mr. Puffs is a nationwide chain renowned for its pastries and coffee offerings.
Laval police highlighted a surge in extortion cases throughout their jurisdiction and urged merchants to cooperate with investigations. They assured that merchants reporting extortion attempts would be treated as victims rather than criminals, even if they had been coerced into paying money to criminal groups.