Montreal police (SPVM) say they are dealing with a string of extortion attempts in recent weeks. According to Organized Crime Squad Commander Francis Renaud, the spike in violent crime is connected. “We have an increase during the two weeks that just passed. What we’re seeing on the street, I cannot tell you exactly why, but they’re related,” he told CTV News. Renaud says there have been around 20 extortion attempts against bars and restaurants since the beginning of the year. Numbers are similar to last year, but he says what’s different is the way they are happening because “violence occurs before the threats.” Quebec Bar Owners Association president Peter Sergakis says bar owners are living scared. He says one was even attacked at home, and that bars are being targeted with clients inside. “Extortion was always there, but not like that. This is extremely violent and it’s totally unacceptable,” said Sergakis. On Monday, he wrote a letter to the province demanding it do more to end extortion attempts and crack down on organized crime. Public Security Minister François Bonnardel replied to the letter yesterday. He agrees that it is unacceptable but says police are doing their job and have everything they need to do it, adding that Sergakis needs to give it time. “They have to protect the public,” said Sergakis, as he vowed to not stop speaking out until extortion attempts are completely stopped. Renaud says police have visited 800 establishments since the beginning of the year. Officers are encouraging owners to go to the police, when approached by organized crime offering protection. “They’re buying the peace. But trust me, they’re not buying the peace. Trust me it’s going to get worst and they’re going to make you pay until the end of your day,” Renaud warns. He says the organized crime unit will continue its investigations and hopes to arrest more people.
