A shooting incident occurred at a Mr. Puffs café in Laval, Quebec, which was reportedly frequented by a gang leader who was recently killed. This shooting marked the third such incident within 48 hours in the city, following a pledge by Laval police to combat extortion activities. Two cafés were targeted in separate shooting incidents just days prior.
Laval police officials stated that it is currently too early to determine any potential links between the recent shootings. Detectives specializing in organized crime are actively investigating the incidents.
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 indicated that Theologou, purportedly leading a gang involved in extortion known as the Greeks of Chomedey, had utilized the Mr. Puffs café as a base of operations.
In response to these claims, Mr. Puffs firmly denied any form of business or operational connections with Theologou or any criminal entity. Notably, no individuals were present inside the café during the shooting incident.
Mr. Puffs is a renowned chain across Canada offering a variety of pastries and coffee. Laval police have expressed concerns over the escalating incidents of extortion in the region, urging affected merchants to cooperate with investigations. They assured business owners that they would be treated as victims rather than criminals, even if coerced into making payments to criminal groups.