Montreal police have arrested 20 individuals in connection with a string of extortion cases targeting restaurant owners across the greater metropolitan area. The arrests mark a significant development in a months-long investigation into organized crime and a wave of threats against local businesses.
Approximately 150 officers from the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) executed 15 search warrants on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, across seven Montreal arrondissements, as well as in Laval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Châteauguay, according to police.
The operation is linked to several incidents involving restaurateurs, potentially including arson and other extortion attempts, SPVM spokesperson Antony Dorelas told Radio-Canada. Authorities believe the suspects are connected to Irish organized crime.
Among those arrested, three suspects – aged 25, 34, and 39 – are believed to be linked to extortion targeting the owners of two restaurants in the Ville-Marie district and their associates. Eight men and two women, ranging in age from 28 to 44, were also taken into custody.
Investigators determined that two separate groups were independently attempting to harm the same restaurateurs, and were also involved in other criminal activities, such as drug trafficking. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of criminal enterprises targeting slight businesses.
During the searches, police seized three firearms, approximately 500 grams of cocaine, 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine, thousands of speed pills, nearly $120,000 in cash, and other evidence. The SPVM received support from the Sûreté du Québec and the Châteauguay Police Service during the operation.
The arrests come after several businesses, restaurants, vehicles, and residences were targeted in recent weeks with arson, and gunfire.
