The young bandits were thirsty for money, power and notoriety. Fraud has enriched them. With this magot, they armed themselves. Fraud has completely changed the face of street gangs in Montreal and would be the main cause of gun traffic among young criminals, several sources in the interlope community told La Presse. Incursion into the heads of these young fraudsters now involved in conflicts.
Carlos has never been incarcerated in connection with this type of crime. However, he is known to the police services.
Before, you needed [nupfixing] stups to be rich. Now you make $50,000 without really going to the field. It's less stressful.
Carlos, fraudster
When it comes to large fraudulent transactions, inexperienced young bandits can get caught. But several small sums? "It happens, but not often. There are far too many to stop everyone. It's too volatile, "explains this more experienced bandit. He is not a "crazy head" and does not "mix in the dramas of the street".
He evokes revealing examples. A well-watered evening where two young fraudsters take out their Glock pistol for a banal insult. Beginners barely able to fight who throw unnecessary provocations at an older gang member by laughing at his latest music video. Teenagers who brandish bundles of bills on Snapchat, inviting much older enemies to come and challenge them.
The new generation is less afraid. There is no structure when you make your money alone. So why would you have respect for older people?
Carlos
Money and problems.
Fraud is a less complex avenue than narcotics, long considered by criminals as the only way to make a fortune illegally. However, do not enter anyone who wants to enter the trade in illicit substances. "You depend on older and more experienced criminals. You can't wake up one day and go sell crack at Émilie-Gamelin. You can't shoot who you want in broad daylight, because you will be told to calm down so as not to harm the structure, "continues Carlos.
"It is the status of fraudsters that has changed," says an ex-gangster questioned on this subject by La Presse.
Young Anthony embarks on this monologue when asked how much money he makes thanks to fraud. His fierce tone says a lot about his relationship to authority. The message is clear: he does not obey anyone. Not even to older and more experienced criminals.
"Greg and JP? Why would I listen to them? I prefer to make money on my own, "he says without an ounce of hesitation in his voice.
He refers to Gregory Woolley and Jean-Philippe Célestin, considered by the police as two influential men in the street, close to Italian organized crime and bikers. These figures known from the criminal world simply do not interest him, he says, shrugging his shoulders. Why try to climb the ladder when he can "make money on his own"?
