Peel Regional Police have announced the arrest of five additional suspects as part of their ongoing effort to combat extortion targeting South Asian businesses in Brampton and Mississauga. These arrests are part of a broader investigation led by the Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), which was established in response to a surge in extortion attempts in late 2023.
Widespread Impact and Task Force Response
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah described the trend as deeply troubling, noting its far-reaching impact on victims, their families, and the broader community. The EITF, consisting of specialized officers, has investigated over 60 incidents, resulting in 21 arrests and 154 criminal charges to date. The task force has also seized 20 firearms, over 11 kilograms of methamphetamine, $10,000 in proceeds of crime, and recovered six stolen vehicles.
Recent Arrests and Charges
The latest arrests involve individuals connected to incidents spanning multiple months:
- Bandhumaan Sekhon, 27, of British Columbia, was arrested for a January incident. Charges include conspiracy, unauthorized firearm possession, and possession of property obtained by crime.
- Harmanjit Singh, 25, of Brampton, was arrested for a May incident. Charges include extortion, uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and obstructing a peace officer.
- Tejinder Tatla, 44, of Brampton, was arrested for threats made in June. A search warrant at his residence led to the seizure of three firearms. He was charged with extortion and unsafe firearm storage.
- Rukhsar Achakzai, 21, of Brampton, was arrested for incidents dating back to September 2023. She faces charges of extortion and mischief.
- Dinesh Kumar, 24, of Hamilton, was arrested for a July incident. He was charged with extortion and released under court-imposed conditions.
Nature of the Incidents
The extortion attempts involved threats of violence, property damage, and firearms-related offenses. Many victims were contacted via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, often through online chat groups. These platforms were used to demand large sums of money under threats of harm.
Call for Community Support
Peel Police encourage anyone with information or those who have been victims of extortion to contact the Extortion Investigative Task Force at 1-866-966-0616, email taskforce@peelpolice.ca, or anonymously reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The ongoing efforts by Peel Regional Police highlight their commitment to safeguarding businesses and communities from these targeted crimes.
