The federal government has announced it will provide Peel Regional Police with up to $1 million to help the force tackle extortion, assist victims, and expand the work of a dedicated task force.
The police service, which covers Brampton and Mississauga in Ontario, set up the Extortion Investigative Task Force in 2023 due to threats made against members of the South Asian business community.
Ottawa states that criminal groups employ intimidation tactics and threats to finance and control illegal markets for drugs, cars, and firearms.
This past Tuesday, the federal government also revealed plans for a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team that will work alongside Ontario authorities. This initiative will receive $4 million in federal funding over four years.
According to Ottawa, this enforcement team will unite law enforcement resources from various agencies and jurisdictions to disrupt organized crime networks that dominate the illegal drug trade and contribute to extortion.
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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made these announcements in Brampton after a meeting focused on combating extortion that included Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner along with other political figures and police officials.
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“All of us here today agree that we have to stop extortion and deal with the bad actors who are doing it,” he said.
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The attempts at extortion usually involve messages demanding money under threat of violence against the individual, their business, or their family if payment isn’t made, according to Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
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The violent acts linked to these threats have included arson incidents and gunfire directed at businesses, homes, and vehicles, he noted. He added that there’s been a noticeable rise in cases specifically involving businesses and their owners here in Peel.
<p Ruby Sahota, secretary of state for combating crime and MP for an area riding, mentioned that the impact of crimes related to extortion can be devastating for people's lives and livelihoods.
Sahota commented she hears weekly from people experiencing those dreaded calls. For residents in Peel, it’s not about if it happens but when it might happen.”
This recent meeting followed another one held last November in Surrey, B. C., where extortion has also emerged as a significant issue.
– With files from Fatima Raza in Brampton, Ont.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. Anandasangaree expressed how moved he was by the heartfelt stories shared by individuals who have faced extortion threats. This is a “cowardly act” aimed at instilling fear among people, he stated.
2:08
“All of us here today agree that we have to stop extortion and deal with the bad actors who are doing it,” he said.
More on Crime More videos
The attempts at extortion usually involve messages demanding money under threat of violence against the individual, their business, or their family if payment isn’t made, according to Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
Story continues below
The violent acts linked to these threats have included arson incidents and gunfire directed at businesses, homes, and vehicles, he noted. He added that there’s been a noticeable rise in cases specifically involving businesses and their owners here in Peel.
<p Ruby Sahota, secretary of state for combating crime and MP for an area riding, mentioned that the impact of crimes related to extortion can be devastating for people's lives and livelihoods.
Sahota commented she hears weekly from people experiencing those dreaded calls. For residents in Peel, it’s not about if it happens but when it might happen.”
This recent meeting followed another one held last November in Surrey, B. C., where extortion has also emerged as a significant issue.
– With files from Fatima Raza in Brampton, Ont.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
Source link
