Police in Laval, Quebec, have apprehended five individuals in connection with a string of violent robberies that occurred during in-person sales arranged through Facebook Marketplace. The suspects are accused of using pepper spray to incapacitate their victims before stealing the items intended for sale.
A Coordinated Police Operation
The arrests were the result of a targeted police operation conducted by the Service de police de Laval (SPL). Authorities launched the investigation following multiple reports from citizens who were assaulted and robbed during meetups to buy or sell items advertised on the popular online marketplace. The incidents took place in December 2025, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to police details released, the modus operandi was consistent. The suspects would arrange to meet with sellers or buyers in Laval. Once at the location and during the exchange, they would deploy pepper spray against the victim, creating a moment of disorientation and pain, which they would then exploit to grab the merchandise or cash and flee the scene.
Rising Concerns Over Online Marketplace Safety
This case highlights the ongoing risks associated with peer-to-peer online sales platforms. While Facebook Marketplace provides a convenient way to buy and sell locally, it also creates opportunities for criminals to target individuals carrying valuable items or cash. The use of a weapon like pepper spray elevates these crimes from theft to violent assault.
The Laval police have not released the identities of the five arrested individuals, but confirmed that charges are pending. The operation demonstrates their focus on combating this specific pattern of crime, which undermines community trust in common online commerce tools.
Staying Safe During Online Transactions
In light of these events, police are reiterating crucial safety advice for anyone conducting transactions initiated online. They recommend always choosing to meet in a well-lit, public place with high foot traffic, such as the parking lot of a police station—many of which offer designated "safe exchange zones" for this exact purpose.
Other key tips include:
- Avoid inviting strangers to your home or agreeing to go to theirs.
- Bring a friend or family member with you to the meeting.
- Trust your instincts; if a deal or meeting arrangement seems suspicious, cancel it.
- Be cautious of buyers or sellers who are overly eager, refuse to negotiate, or want to meet in a secluded area.
The Service de police de Laval encourages anyone who has been a victim of a similar crime or who has information related to these incidents to come forward and contact them. The successful arrests show that police are actively working to identify and apprehend those who exploit online platforms for violent criminal purposes.
