In the wake of a 2019 murder case, law enforcement officials conducted a search at the residence of Charalambos Theologou — the individual fatally shot in a crowded Starbucks in Laval, Quebec, last week. Inside the residence, a police affidavit revealed the discovery of a substantial amount of cash, a bulletproof vest, and financial documents indicating Theologou’s participation in illegal ventures. The financial papers, showcased in a search warrant report reviewed by CBC, outlined individuals indebted to Theologou, including his associates identified by aliases and names of eateries in the Montreal area.
These records, coupled with Theologou’s suspected connection to the 2019 homicide, underscore his alleged deep involvement in both extortion and criminal activities, which ultimately culminated in his fatal shooting in broad daylight. While Theologou had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking, conspiracy, and firearm possession dating back to the early 2010s, recent police documentation from the search warrant portrayed him as the leader of a prominent and active drug trafficking network.
Known as Bobby the Greek, Theologou led a group called the Chomedey Greeks and played a pivotal role in extorting restaurant owners for protection payments, as reported by Radio-Canada. In 2019, he attracted police attention during a murder inquiry following the killing of Michail Michakis, a 35-year-old individual with a history of drug trafficking, who worked as a drug courier and money collector for Theologou, according to police records.
The police linked Michakis’s murder to organized crime and transferred the investigation to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Quebec’s provincial police force. Subsequently, SQ officers raided Theologou’s upscale home and townhouse in Laval, recovering cash, financial records, and illicit substances. Despite the findings, Theologou declined to cooperate with investigators, prompting an SQ investigator to highlight the significant disparity between his lifestyle and legitimate income in an affidavit.
The financial documents detailed over 50 debtors owing money to Theologou, with some associated with Montreal-based businesses and restaurants. As per police assertions, Theologou not only oversaw a drug trafficking network but also operated as a loan shark. Surprisingly, neither he nor any other individual faced charges related to Michakis’s homicide or the possession of cocaine found at his premises.
During the Starbucks shooting incident where Theologou was killed and two associates were injured, undercover officers tailing him were present inside the café, according to sources. The SQ indicated a burnt vehicle discovered in Montreal’s east end is linked to the shooting. A 2013 Parole Board of Canada decision highlighted Theologou’s involvement in drug activities while incarcerated, citing his penchant for luxury and minimal prospects for reform.