Extortion crimes are increasingly targeting specific populations throughout Canada, particularly affecting the South Asian community in Peel Region. Recent incidents, including drive-by shootings and arson, have led law enforcement agencies such as Peel Region police, the RCMP, Calgary police, and Surrey police to convene in British Columbia. The goal of the summit is to develop a coordinated response to these crimes, which are crossing provincial and international borders.
In Peel Region, hundreds of extortion incidents have been reported over the past two years, leading to the establishment of an extortion task force by local police. This task force has become one of the largest units within the service, resulting in over 340 charges since its creation. However, due to fear and mistrust toward law enforcement, many incidents remain unreported, forcing some community members to flee the region or even the country.
Dharmjit, a victim of multiple drive-by shootings over the last two months, expressed his frustrations about the lack of safety. After receiving extortion calls demanding money, he reported the situation to authorities. Despite taking precautions like blocking the numbers, the threats escalated to violence, culminating in shots fired at his property. Dharmjit recounted his terrifying experience, where he and his family, including two children, were home when the gunfire erupted.
Local police are investigating the incidents, but Dharmjit believes the police lack sufficient resources to combat extortion effectively. This sentiment resonates with many community members who are grappling with similar threats. The challenges faced by law enforcement agencies include systemic hurdles such as delays in judicial processes and insufficient deterrents for offenders.
Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich highlighted the broad implications of extortion not just in Peel but on a national and international scale. While some incidents have been linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, an India-based terrorist organization, Milinovich mentioned that there is no definitive evidence directly connecting the gang to the extortion cases in the region. He acknowledged the fear within the community that leads to underreporting and, in some cases, compliance with extortion demands.
The Peel police task force is working proactively to combat these crimes by increasing investments in law enforcement resources. Milinovich articulated a commitment to making Peel an inhospitable environment for extortionists and emphasized the necessity of addressing systemic issues that impede effective crime fighting, including the need for harsher penalties to deter future offenses.
Despite these efforts, the escalating violence and fear have prompted some residents, including Dharmjit and his neighbors, to start relocating their businesses and families out of Canada. Similar trends are observed across the country, with Calgary investigating 21 extortion cases, Surrey looking into nearly 50 incidents this year, and Caledon reporting 60 cases since 2023. This escalating crisis poses significant challenges for law enforcement and community members alike, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to restore safety and confidence in Canada.
