Montreal Police Crack Down on Business Extortion

Montreal Polices Aurora Program Combats Extortion: Twenty Arrests, Teens Involved

Montreal police have made significant progress in their fight against extortion targeting local businesses with a new program called Aurora. Over the past six weeks, they have intensified monitoring of online platforms where criminals post contracts for arson, shootings, or home invasions against shops and restaurants. This effort has resulted in twenty arrests, mostly teens between fourteen and seventeen years old.

The police have shared screenshots from WhatsApp chats showing how these jobs are offered, using coded language to signal upcoming crimes. Cmdr. Francis Renaud, who leads the organized crime unit, praised the results, attributing them to effective teamwork across departments. Detectives warn that social media offers no real protection, as their cyber tools track everyone involved.

The extortion wave has been a significant issue over the past couple of years, causing fear among business owners and disrupting operations. In spring of 2025, a major sweep with over one hundred fifty officers led to thirteen suspects being arrested for restaurant shakedowns. Recruited kids often get stiffed on promised cash, highlighting the shady nature of these deals.

Police urge business owners to resist demands and report threats immediately, emphasizing that early tips help dismantle these networks before anyone gets hurt.

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