Assassination of Underworld Figure in Quebec Starbucks Could Signal Change to Bold Methods, Report Criminologists

The bold daylight killing of a influential Quebec gang leader inside a outlying Starbucks lately could indicate a emerging, more unstable and aggressive climate when it comes to underworld activities, analysts report.

Power Vacuum Appearing

The apprehensions of purported high-ranking, established members of Montreal's mafia in June has potentially left a chasm – meaning newer, junior gangs are striving to secure territory.

Fatal Encounter Details

Law enforcement stated at a media update that they were called to a Starbucks in the Quebec municipality at about 10.30am on Wednesday because of reports of a shooting inside the coffee shop. One man was killed and two more individuals were hurt.

Targeted Person

While investigators have not verified the target's name, several news organizations have indicated the man murdered was a sentenced illegal substance distributor, four decades old, also known by an alias. The person was the leader of a organization operating in the area.

Authority Comments

The government representative said: "Available information points to it being an incident associated with organised crime."

The local police chief told media that while he could not speak specifically on the case, he knows the man killed due to his "criminal record". "This person is connected to underworld activities," he added.

Previous Activities

The victim was first connected formally to unlawful behavior in the mid-2000s when police in Montreal detained him and six others in a illegal substance probe. He ended up admitting responsibility on drug-related charges and was given to a couple of years in prison.

According to records, the person was arrested for a second time in 2009, again for drug trafficking, and was later given to another 60 months in prison.

Professional Assessment

A academic specialist said that underworld activities in the area used to be characterised around maintaining control over public violence and depended on a clear hierarchical structure.

An bold midday assassination at a coffee shop chain points to there may not be a dominant force enforcing rules – as violence could impact business when it comes to illegal substance trade, explained the expert.

Control Loss

The professor stated it is plausible that the organization which eliminated the gang leader simply "did not care" about the visible exhibition of force in order to eliminate their target.

But the expert said more plausible is there has been a decline of structure and authority within organised crime in Montreal, related to substantial apprehensions of the alleged heads of Montreal's mafia made in June.

Major Apprehensions

After a multi-year investigation, authorities arrested an purported criminal organization head and accused him with killing and other related offences.

Current Situation

The latest detentions were seen as the final "decisive blow" for the established criminal structure, said the expert.

It has resulted in a void that younger street gangs are attempting to take over. The latest incident is an indication of an volatile, fluid environment, he said.

"There is kind of this abundance of lesser, not extremely coordinated gangs ... that are competing for dominance," he said.

Joanne Moran
Joanne Moran

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with years of experience in the gaming industry.