Police in Laval have dismantled a robbery ring targeting sellers on Facebook Marketplace, arresting five young men in connection with a string of violent thefts. The suspects, posing as interested buyers, allegedly used pepper spray and knives to steal merchandise during meet-ups.
Modus Operandi: From Online Inquiry to Violent Theft
According to Laval police, the scheme was straightforward yet dangerous. Sellers in the Vimont and Auteuil districts who had listed electronic items for sale on Facebook's popular online marketplace were contacted by the alleged perpetrators. Arrangements were made to meet in a public place to complete the transaction.
However, upon meeting, the situation turned violent. Police state that the so-called "buyers" would then assault the sellers, either by deploying a jet of pepper spray or by brandishing a knife. They would then seize the merchandise and flee the scene before the victims could react.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
The investigation culminated on December 10, 2025, when officers moved in to apprehend the suspects. The five individuals taken into custody are all men aged between 19 and 22 years old. They are linked to at least three specific robberies that followed this pattern.
Following their arrest, the suspects were questioned by investigators. They were subsequently released from custody but are subject to strict conditions as they await their future court appearances. Police have not disclosed the specific charges they are facing.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning
As part of their probe, Laval police also executed search warrants to gather evidence. This evidence is intended to support the cases for the three confirmed robberies and is being examined in connection with other similar incidents that occurred during what authorities describe as a "wave of robberies."
This case serves as a critical reminder of the potential risks associated with online marketplace transactions. Police across Canada frequently advise the public to use designated safe exchange zones, often located in police station parking lots, when meeting strangers to buy or sell goods. Other safety recommendations include bringing a friend, meeting during daylight hours, and informing someone else of the meeting details.
The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with crimes facilitated through social media platforms and the importance of community vigilance when arranging peer-to-peer sales.
