Cafe explosion may be linked to other violent crimes in Ontario

Organized crime activity in Toronto and the surrounding area has returned to the news following a bombing at Caffé Corretto. Police believe the explosion may be linked to other shootings and incidents at the residences of former and suspected mob members in Southern Ontario. They are investigating any possible ties between this explosion and other recent Violent Crimes

This is not the first run-in law enforcement has had with Caffé Corretto. In Jan. 2006, the café was part of an illegal gaming sting by Toronto and York Region Police. Authorities say the sweep, named Project Oeider, resulted in the seizure of 74 illegal gaming machines and $200,000 in cash from 11 cafés. This history, along with other recent violent crimes, have led police to believe the explosion is connected to organized crime groups in Southern Ontario.

Family deaths and shootings at the homes of formerly convicted organized crime participants are among the incidents they believe to be related. As a result, they are keeping a close eye on those they suspect have ties to organized crime in the area. No charges have been filed regarding the incidents police believe to be associated with this incident.

No one was killed during the explosion. Along with the café, a car window tinting business and a nail salon were affected by the explosion. A 33-year-old man who was found near the scene of the crime was arrested and taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Organized crime can be complex for Ontario police and courts to tackle. Suspects of violent crimes that law enforcement believes are related will want to be prepared with a strong defence that takes this complexity into consideration. A lawyer can help a client navigate any charges filed and the ensuing court proceedings.

Source: The Toronto Star, “Woodbridge cafe explosion . . . are mob tensions heating up?“, Peter Edwards, June 29, 2017