Police join forces to combat extortion in Greater Montreal area

Quebec's major police forces are combining forces to fight extortion attempts against businesses.

Quebec police are announcing a new initiative to combat the rise of extortion and other acts of violence targeting businesses.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) announced the UNIS project, a collaboration between the provincial police force, Montreal police (SPVM), Longueuil police (SPAL), and Laval police (SPL).

The SQ said the goal of the project is to encourage restaurants, bars and other businesses to report acts of violence, develop a shared understanding of the problem, and to improve their police response.

“No business should have to operate under threat. It is precisely to break this cycle that our organizations are speaking with one voice today and launching Project UNIS, a coordinated police response against extortion and violence against business owners across Quebec,” said Benoit Dubé, deputy director general of the SQ, in a news release.

“Behind every targeted business are entrepreneurs, families, and employees. Their safety remains at the heart of our commitment.”

More information on the project is on the UNIS website, which was recently launched.

Participating police forces will be visiting businesses to enhance their visibility over the coming months.