Charalambos “Bobby the Greek” Theologou was fatally shot inside a Laval Starbucks while other customers were present. CTV
A bold shooting in Laval left one man dead and two others injured. Charalambos “Bobby the Greek” Theologou was gunned down inside a Starbucks café along Highway 440. The attack happened in full view of shocked customers on Wednesday.
Video clips shared online show two masked men quickly approaching Theologou before firing at close range. The footage captures frightened people dropping to the floor as the gunmen run from the scene.
Victim Had Deep Ties to Organized Crime
Police confirmed that Theologou died at the scene. Two others sitting nearby were hurt but are expected to recover.
Crime reporter Daniel Renaud said Theologou was known in the underworld as a broker for organized crime. He arranged deals for violent acts like extortion, shootings, fire bombings, and contract killings.
“Every group knew who was Bobby le Grec,” Renaud said. “His group was one of many rising in Montreal, but others also handle contracts.”
Similar Attacks Have Happened Before
Renaud explained that these types of killings in public aren’t new to the Montreal area.
“In 2019, people tried to kill two men in a restaurant. One used a waitress as a shield. Salvatore Scoppa was shot in a hotel lobby, and Bernard Cherfan was killed in a restaurant in 2022.”
Renaud added that when hitmen get their chance, they don’t hesitate. “They follow the person, wait for the moment, and do the job.”
Getaway Car Found Burned in Montreal
Investigators haven’t made any arrests yet. However, they found a burned vehicle early Thursday morning in the Rivière-des-Prairies area of Montreal. Police believe the car is tied to the shooting.
The Quebec provincial police’s organized crime unit is leading the investigation.
Is a Mob War Brewing?
Theologou may have been in conflict with other crime groups, including the Ontario chapters of the Hells Angels. But experts say it’s too early to call it a full-on mob war.
“We’ll know if this turns into something bigger if more killings happen,” Renaud said.
Organized Crime Has Changed
Former Montreal detective Pietro Poletti says the city’s criminal world now works differently.
“There’s no main leader anymore,” he said. “After Vito Rizzuto died in 2012 or 2013, everything changed. Now it’s just small gangs, all armed, with little fear of the law.”
He added that these groups are not organized like the old days. “It’s all clans now. No central control.”
