Montreal police (SPVM) confirmed that two teenagers aged 15 and 16 are facing charges of robbery and conspiracy in connection with a series of armed robberies in the Anjou borough.
Authorities say the accused are believed to have contacted their victims through online classified ad platforms and then allegedly used accomplices to trap and rob the victims.
The SPVM says the same scheme was used in all of the robberies under investigation.
“One of the suspects would first contact someone selling an item through a classified ad platform, express interest in the item, and propose a meeting location to complete the sale,” the SPVM said in a press release.
“Once the victim arrived, the suspect’s accomplices would use force to take the desired item and then flee. The stolen goods were mainly cellphones and other valuable electronic devices.”
The teens were arrested on April 16. According to the police, evidence gathered during the investigation suggests the accused were leading a group of youths who were planning armed robberies in Anjou.
The minors appeared before a Youth Division court judge and were charged with armed robbery and conspiracy. They remain in custody following their bail hearing.
The SPVM added that the initial phase of the investigation led to the arrest last month of two 16-year-olds who allegedly acted as accomplices.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Info-Crime Montreal by calling 514-393-1133 or using the online reporting form at infocrimemontreal.ca.
The SPVM is reminding the public to be cautious when completing a transaction initiated online by using secure exchange zones and by verifying the identity of the person they are dealing with.
