Seventeen people are facing more than 100 charges following a major Peel Regional Police investigation into violent extortion incidents that allegedly targeted South Asian owned businesses across the Greater Toronto Area. According to Peel police, businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon were among the main targets.
Investigators said the operation began in December and involved support from provincial, federal and United States authorities. Police described the case as a coordinated campaign involving threats, intimidation and escalating violence against local business owners who refused to meet extortion demands.
Restaurants, trucking companies and other businesses were allegedly targeted repeatedly. In one case, police allege two people were involved in a shooting and arson at a home in Caledon, followed shortly afterward by another shooting aimed at a business in Brampton.
Police said the 17 accused have been linked to 24 incidents in total. Investigators believe 16 of those incidents are connected to For Brothers, an international criminal network that has allegedly targeted South Asian business owners and community members in Canada and the United States.
Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said extortion activity is not limited to one region and requires cooperation between agencies across borders. Police also said the network is believed to have activity in British Columbia and connections to California.
Most of the accused are from Ontario, while two are from British Columbia and one is from California. Together, they face 106 charges. Police said six people charged in the investigation may also face immigration consequences, including possible removal from Canada after their criminal matters are completed.
The Canada Border Services Agency has also arrested and detained six people on immigration related inadmissibility grounds, according to police. Three have already been removed from Canada, two remain in CBSA custody, and one has been released by the Immigration and Refugee Board with conditions.
The case has raised serious concerns in Peel Region’s South Asian community, where business owners have reported fear and pressure linked to extortion threats. For more Canadian community and public safety coverage, visit https://www.weeklyvoice.com and https://www.weeklyvoice.com/category/canada.
