In a troubling turn of events, over a dozen individuals in Peel Region have been apprehended for their alleged roles in a series of extortion attempts targeting local businesses, particularly within Brampton’s vibrant Punjabi community. Despite these arrests, community leaders are expressing grave concerns that the threats may continue unabated.
Extortion Threats on the Rise
Avi Dhaliwal, a long-time entrepreneur in Brampton, has witnessed the alarming rise of extortion threats since late 2022. With a significant Punjabi population, Brampton has become a focal point for these menacing activities. “People don’t even want to go to sit at Tim Hortons or Starbucks. They are always looking around,” Dhaliwal shared, highlighting the pervasive climate of fear. Many members of the community feel compelled to change their residences without notifying anyone, a clear indication of the distress caused by these threats. “I don’t see anything getting resolved … because people are still under threat,” he remarked.
In May, Peel Regional Police announced the arrest of 17 suspects following a comprehensive investigation into the extortion targeting South Asian business owners across Canada and the United States. The accused individuals reportedly employed intimidation tactics, threats, and even violence to extort money from their victims. Authorities have pressed over 100 charges, including 75 related to firearm offences, 11 for extortion, and two for arson.
Links to International Criminal Networks
Investigators have identified the suspects as having connections to a global criminal organisation known as For Brothers. Peel Regional Police first became aware of this group in 2025, which led to the ongoing investigation culminating in the recent arrests. Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich described this as a potentially groundbreaking case linking local extortion efforts to international crime.
Balpreet Singh, legal counsel for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, emphasised that extortion is a significant issue specifically impacting the Punjabi community. “When we describe this as a South Asian problem, it often erases important details,” he warned, stressing the need for targeted solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the Punjabi population.
Community Leaders Call for Attention
Brampton community leader Binder Singh has been vocal about the plight of extortion victims, revealing that many are so fearful they are choosing to leave Canada altogether. “It’s the broken dream right now. We came to Canada for safety, security, and prosperity,” he lamented. Singh also pointed to immigration policies as a contributing factor to the surge in extortion attempts, a sentiment echoed by others in the community.
In response to these issues, Jeffrey MacDonald from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada stated that the department collaborates with national and international partners to ensure comprehensive security screening of those entering Canada. Meanwhile, Karine Martel from the Canada Border Services Agency confirmed that investigations into individuals involved in extortion are ongoing, with enforcement actions forthcoming as these investigations conclude.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence
Deputy Chief Milinovich noted that community members have raised concerns regarding threats allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, a notorious group based in India. However, he clarified that there is currently no evidence to substantiate these claims. “It would be naive, almost negligent, to ignore those concerns,” he conceded, acknowledging the anxiety such connections provoke within the community.
Although police stated that the arrested individuals do not have direct ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, they are continuing to investigate any potential links. “In this particular investigation, several threats were made with references to being associated with or members of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. We have not clearly been able to draw that correlation,” Milinovich explained. He suggested that the accused might have invoked the gang’s name as a means of instilling fear among the Punjabi community.
Why it Matters
The ongoing extortion threats facing Brampton’s Punjabi community highlight significant issues of safety, trust, and the broader implications of crime on immigrant populations. This situation not only undermines the sense of security that many sought when moving to Canada but also raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies and community safety measures. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that authorities prioritise the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable communities to restore their peace of mind and confidence in the system.