Mathieu Bélanger, 39, had been on the run from Quebec police since 2022
A wanted Canadian man with alleged ties to the Hells Angels and cocaine trafficking was shot and killed in broad daylight in a Mexican Riviera resort town on Saturday.
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According to local authorities, 39-year-old Mathieu Bélanger of Repentigny, Que., had left a gym in Playa del Carmen’s residential area and was entering his SUV when two people arrived and opened fire before fleeing on a motorcycle.
The matter is under investigation.
Who is Mathieu Bélanger?
The pair reportedly have children, but it’s not clear how many.
Known as “Barbu” to police, Bélanger is believed to have been associated with Fratrum, a criminal organization supplying the outlaw motorcycle club with narcotics.
Police theorized the group wanted to take over territory in the city and used member-owned businesses to launder the illegal gains.
During his time in Mexico, La Presse reported Quebec police suspect Bélanger has remained involved in trafficking, acting as a middleman between cartels and Hells Angels and possibly other criminal organizations.
He was arrested for possession of a firearm and methamphetamines in a traffic stop by local police this March but was not charged.
What are Canadian officials saying?
Canadian authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased individual.
Global Affairs Canada, in an email response to the National Post’s request for confirmation and comment, said it was “aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico” and that consular officials have contacted local authorities.
“Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.”
The RCMP, which referred the National Post to global affairs, had previously confirmed to the Canadian Press that a fugitive sought by Sûreté du Québec had died in Mexico but released no other details.
— With files from the Canadian Press
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