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The bold public execution of a prominent Montreal underworld figure inside a outlying Starbucks lately could signal a emerging, more volatile and aggressive environment when it comes to organised crime, experts note.

Leadership Void Emerging

The apprehensions of purported senior, veteran members of the local underworld in June has possibly created a void – meaning upcoming, less experienced gangs are attempting to establish themselves.

Fatal Encounter Details

Law enforcement stated at a press briefing that they were called to a Starbucks in the Quebec municipality at about 10.30am on Wednesday because of reports of a shooting inside the coffee shop. An individual was fatally shot and two others were injured.

Victim Identification

While police have not verified the victim's name, multiple Canadian media outlets have indicated the man fatally shot was a previously found guilty narcotics dealer, four decades old, also known by an nickname. The individual was the head of a criminal group operating in the area.

Official Statements

The Quebec's public security minister stated: "Everything suggests it being an incident connected with underworld activities."

The law enforcement leader told journalists that while he could not comment on the case, he is familiar with the man killed due to his "notoriety". "This person is linked to organised crime," he said.

Past Record

The targeted individual was first linked officially to criminal activity in the mid-2000s when police in Montreal detained him and multiple associates in a drug trafficking operation. He eventually pleading guilty on drug-related charges and was received to 24 months in prison.

According to reports, the man was arrested for a subsequent occasion in over a decade ago, again for drug trafficking, and was subsequently given to another five years in prison.

Criminologist Perspective

A criminology professor said that organised crime in the area used to be characterised around showing discretion over public violence and counted on a established leadership system.

An audacious public killing at a public establishment indicates there may not be a dominant force enforcing rules – as conflict could affect business when it comes to illegal substance trade, explained the analyst.

Organizational Breakdown

The analyst stated it is conceivable that the faction which eliminated the criminal boss simply "showed disregard" about the open demonstration of force in order to eliminate their objective.

But the criminologist believes more likely is there has been a erosion of organization and dominance within criminal networks in Montreal, associated with significant arrests of the suspected leaders of Montreal's mafia made in June.

Leadership Arrests

After a multi-year investigation, police arrested an alleged criminal organization head and charged him with first-degree murder and other related crimes.

Current Situation

The current apprehensions were viewed as the final "decisive blow" for the traditional criminal structure, commented the expert.

It has left a void that newer street gangs are looking to take over. The recent shooting is an sign of an uncertain, evolving landscape, he said.

"We have kind of this plethora of lesser, not extremely coordinated gangs ... that are vying for dominance," he concluded.