World
Organized crime member Charalambos Theologou killed after shooting at Starbucks in Laval
A man with well-documented ties to organized crime was killed and two others were critically injured during a daylight shooting at a Starbucks in Laval, Quebec, in what authorities believe was a carefully planned attack.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, when Laval police received a 911 call reporting gunfire at the café, located in a busy strip mall at the corner of Highway 440 service road and 100th Avenue.
The commercial complex, which also houses several other restaurants and businesses, was crowded with customers at the time of the attack.
The victim has been identified as Charalambos Theologou, widely known by his underworld nickname, “Bobby the Greek.” Theologou was a prominent figure in organized crime circles and is believed to have overseen the Chomedey Greeks, a Laval-based gang with a history of violent criminal activity.
The two men injured in the shooting are also reported to be members of the Chomedey Greeks. They were transported to hospital in serious condition.
Speaking in Quebec City, Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière confirmed that one person had been killed and two others wounded.
He emphasized that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was a targeted strike linked to organized crime, and reassured the public that there was no indication of “innocent victims” being harmed.
“This has all the hallmarks of a planned attack,” Lafrenière said, noting the incident bore similarities to other organized crime-related hits in the province.
Theologou, 45, had a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for conspiracy, weapons offenses, and drug trafficking. He was sentenced to four years in prison in 2007 for conspiracy and aggravated assault, followed by a five-year prison term in 2010 for drug trafficking shortly after his release.
Investigative reports have also linked him to an extortion ring operating in Laval, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in Montreal-area organized crime.
The shooting has prompted concern among Laval residents and elected officials.
Quebec MNA Christopher Skeete, who represents a riding in the city, acknowledged the incident in a statement posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“I have just learned that there has been a shooting in Laval near the Starbucks that I myself frequent quite often,” Skeete wrote. “I urge citizens to avoid the area and want residents to know that I am monitoring the situation closely with my colleagues.”
Police investigators have cordoned off the Starbucks and surrounding businesses as forensic teams examine the scene.
Authorities have not yet released information on possible suspects or whether the shooters fled on foot or by vehicle.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.