Peel Police to Provide Update on Efforts Against Extortion Targeting South Asian Community

Peel Regional Police (PRP) is slated to provide an update on their ongoing efforts to combat extortion targeting members of the South Asian community in the region. The update follows the establishment of the Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) by PRP in response to a concerning surge in extortion attempts directed at South Asian businesses.

Scheduled to take place at PRP headquarters in Mississauga, the update is expected to feature PRP Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Mayor Patrick Brown. While specific details about the update remain undisclosed, it comes amid ongoing investigations into at least 16 incidents of extortion.

According to PRP, the extortion schemes typically involve perpetrators contacting victims through social media platforms, issuing threats of violence, and demanding monetary payments. In some instances, these attempts have escalated into acts of violence.

The severity and widespread nature of these threats have prompted expressions of concern from civic leaders, including Mayor Brown and Surrey, B.C. Mayor Brenda Locke, who highlighted the alarming trend of extortion attempts and associated violent acts in their respective cities. The collaboration between RCMP and local police departments, including PRP, underscores the gravity of the situation.

With the update set to occur on Wednesday morning, it is anticipated that PRP will provide insights into the progress and strategies employed by the EITF in addressing these concerning developments within the South Asian community.