The SPVM says four suspects have been arrested in connection with online posts allegedly offering criminal contracts for acts of violence.
Police say the arrests were made Wednesday as part of Project Aurora, an initiative launched two months ago that has led to more than 20 arrests so far.
In the first operation, carried out in the boroughs of Ville-Marie and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, officers arrested two men: Abdorrahman Tayeb Ali, 21, and David Mukendi, 18. Searches were conducted at two residences, where investigators seized evidence.
Both suspects appeared at the Montreal courthouse and face multiple counts of counselling the commission of an offence. Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be laid.
A second operation led to the arrest of two 16-year-olds in Longueuil. Searches were also carried out at two family homes. The minors were released on summons and are scheduled to appear at a later date in Quebec youth court.
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The investigations were led by the SPVM’s project-based North Section, with support from its specialized cybercrime unit. Police allege the four suspects acted as organizers or intermediaries in posting multiple online contracts linked to violent crimes in recent weeks.
Authorities say evidence gathered during the investigation will be presented in court proceedings.
The operations were supported by local neighbourhood police stations, the tactical intervention group and Longueuil police.
Police say the arrests are also part of a broader “Collectifs” strategy, which brings together police and civilian experts to target individuals exhibiting high-risk behaviour and to prevent violence by offering alternative solutions.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 911 or their local police station. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Info-Crime Montréal, which may offer rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to arrests.
