In the shadowy corners of Montreal’s vibrant nightlife district, a troubling reality has emerged behind the clinking glasses and lively music. Bar and restaurant owners across the city are increasingly facing organized extortion attempts, prompting an aggressive response from law enforcement determined to dismantle what appears to be a sophisticated criminal network.
“They came in during our busiest hour on a Friday night,” recounts Michel Tremblay, owner of a popular bistro in the Plateau Mont-Royal district, who requested his establishment remain unnamed. “Two men in expensive suits told me I needed ‘protection’ and demanded $5,000 monthly. When I refused, they smiled and said they’d be back. Three days later, our front windows were shattered.”
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) confirmed yesterday that at least 27 establishments have reported similar intimidation tactics since January, marking a 65% increase compared to the same period last year. The extortion demands typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 monthly, with threats escalating from property damage to personal harm when business owners resist.
Inspector Sophie Marchand, head of the newly formed Anti-Extortion Task Force, revealed during a CO24 News press conference that preliminary evidence suggests connections to established organized crime groups. “We’re seeing a level of coordination that indicates this isn’t random opportunism, but rather a calculated criminal enterprise with hierarchical structure,” Marchand explained.
The investigation has already yielded results. Last week, SPVM officers arrested four suspects allegedly connected to at least eight extortion cases targeting establishments in Old Montreal and the Gay Village. Court documents indicate the suspects have ties to both traditional organized crime families and newer criminal organizations with international connections.
The economic impact extends beyond the direct extortion payments. The Canada Restaurant Association estimates affected businesses typically see a 15-20% revenue decline following intimidation incidents, as staff resign from fear and customer traffic diminishes. For an industry still recovering from pandemic-related challenges, this additional pressure threatens the viability of many establishments.
City officials have responded by allocating $2.3 million for enhanced security measures, including additional surveillance cameras in high-risk areas and plainclothes officers embedded in nightlife districts. Mayor Valérie Plante addressed the situation during yesterday’s city council meeting, calling it “an assault on Montreal’s cultural and economic fabric” that demands “swift and decisive action.”
“What makes this particularly concerning is the sophistication,” explains criminologist Marie Beaulieu from the University of Montreal. “These groups are utilizing digital surveillance to identify potential targets, monitoring business patterns, and even tracking owners’ personal routines before making contact. It’s extortion enhanced by modern technology.”
For business owners like Antoine Leclair, who operates a cocktail bar in Saint-Henri, the psychological toll is immense. “You’re constantly looking over your shoulder,” he shares. “I’ve installed extra security cameras, hired doormen, and still I worry about my staff’s safety every night. Some nights I don’t sleep at all.”
Police sources speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that the investigation has expanded to examine potential links between the extortion ring and recent money laundering operations identified across Quebec. Financial intelligence units are now scrutinizing suspicious transactions that may connect the extortion proceeds to legitimate businesses.
Community response has been equally significant, with the Montreal Restaurant Association establishing an anonymous reporting system and emergency fund for affected establishments. “The only way to fight this is together,” says association president Jean-François Archambault. “Silence and isolation only strengthen these criminals.”
As summer approaches—typically the most profitable season for Montreal’s hospitality industry—both authorities and business owners face mounting pressure to contain the threat. Will this coordinated response be enough to protect Montreal’s celebrated nightlife culture, or are we witnessing the beginning of a prolonged battle for the soul of the city’s entertainment districts?
