A series of violent extortion attempts targeting South Asian businesses in Canada has raised concerns and prompted investigations. In these incidents, businesses receive phone calls or text messages demanding large sums of money, often around one million dollars, with violent repercussions if they refuse to comply.
Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah in Peel Region, west of Toronto, reports that at least 20 businesses have received extortion demands, and six of them have been subjected to gunfire after rejecting the demands. Investigators are exploring the possibility that organized crime groups operating outside of Canada may be behind these extortion cases, given the level of sophistication involved.
Similar violent extortion attempts have been reported in Surrey, British Columbia, leading the mayors of Surrey and Brampton, Ontario, to request coordinated policing efforts and federal intervention to address this growing trend. The mayors believe that organized crime groups based in India, beyond Canadian borders, are responsible for these targeted extortion attempts.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who is also a member of the Peel Police Services Board, expressed his belief that organized crime is behind these incidents and emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies involving provincial and federal authorities.
One notable incident involved an exotic car dealership, Nawab Motors in Brampton, which received an extortion call and subsequently faced multiple armed attacks. The attackers posted a video of the violence on TikTok, linking them to a known gang leader in India accused of extortion.
Business owners who have received threats are calling for government action and enhanced police protection. The fear generated by these incidents has impacted the South Asian business community, and they seek reassurance and security from authorities.
The incidents have not only caused physical damage but have also shattered the sense of security within the affected communities, leaving them anxious and concerned about their safety.