Montreal police dismantle $3.9-million gold theft network, arrest 14 including six teens

MONTREAL — Montreal police have announced the dismantling of cells suspected of being linked to an organized criminal network that targeted jewellery stores in various parts of Quebec. Police arrested 14 people, including six teenagers, and seized jewellery, cash and other evidence with a total value of $3.9 million.

The operation followed months of investigation into a series of robberies targeting gold shops, amid information that criminal networks were exploiting children and teenagers to carry out thefts in exchange for promises of money.

Police said the arrested minors are between 14 and 17 years old, while five adults and six teenagers face charges of armed robbery.

14 arrested and criminal cells dismantled

Montreal police carried out the operation on Wednesday, November 11, targeting people suspected of taking part in planning and carrying out jewellery thefts.

Iyad Hanna, commander of special investigations, said the raids targeted cells that organize the operations and recruit those who carry them out, not only the people who enter stores to steal gold.

According to police, the network began its activities in February, before its operations expanded significantly starting in June.

The targeted areas included Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Rosemère.

Police had initially announced the arrest of 15 people, but later corrected the figure to 14.

Jewellery and cash worth $3.9 million seized

The operation resulted in the seizure of jewellery, cash and other evidence with a total estimated value of about $3.9 million.

Authorities are examining how the seized items are linked to the robberies recorded over the past months, as well as the role of those responsible for collecting and selling the stolen gold.

Police said the network relied on dividing tasks among different groups, each handling part of the planning, the execution and the disposal of the stolen goods.

The investigation aims to identify everyone involved in these activities and to determine who profits financially from the sale of the stolen jewellery.

Teenagers recruited through social media

Police said those organizing the thefts used chat groups on social media to post offers aimed at recruiting teenagers.

After agreeing to take part, the minors receive instructions about the targeted store, along with the tools and vehicles needed to carry out the job.

Authorities said the organizers sometimes provided stolen cars and drivers, then required those carrying out the thefts to hand over the jewellery at specified locations.

The stolen goods are then passed to other people within the network, who deliver them to those who finance the operations or buy the gold.

Hanna warned of the danger of exploiting children in this way, stressing the need to find solutions that prevent them from being drawn into criminal activity.

55 robberies at jewellery stores

Montreal police recorded 55 robberies at jewellery stores from the start of January to the end of October 2026.

Of these incidents, about 34 were carried out using the rapid break-in method of smashing display cases, known as "smash and grab."

In this method, a group of people enters a store and smashes display cases, then takes the jewellery and flees quickly.

Police said the number of people arrested in investigations linked to this phenomenon has reached 40 since September, after a dedicated team was formed to address it.

Gold shop owners call for tougher penalties

Miguel del Moral, who owns a jewellery store in the Champlain shopping centre on Montreal's South Shore, said his store has been robbed five times over the past three years.

He added that the most recent incident took place in August, when young people burst into the store and smashed the display cases, frightening employees.

Nafisa Nartayeva, owner of the store Royale d'Or, also called for stronger legal measures to address the use of minors in these crimes.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said that 89 per cent of its surveyed members support stronger penalties for organized retail theft.

Police say the investigations will continue in order to pursue the organizers, with a focus on preventing the recruitment of more children and teenagers.