The federal government has announced it will provide Peel Regional Police with up to $1 million to aid the department’s initiatives against extortion, assist victims, and enhance the work of a dedicated task force.
This police service, which covers Brampton and Mississauga in Ontario, established the Extortion Investigative Task Force in 2023 due to threats directed at members of the South Asian business community.
Ottawa reports that criminal organizations are using intimidation and threats as a means to finance and dominate illegal markets for drugs, cars, and firearms.
On Tuesday, the federal government also revealed plans for a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team in collaboration with Ontario and local authorities. This initiative will be supported by $4 million over four years from federal funds.
According to Ottawa, this enforcement team will consolidate law enforcement resources from different agencies and areas to disrupt organized crime groups controlling the illegal drug market while fueling extortion activities.
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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made these announcements in Brampton after a meeting focused on tackling extortion that included Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner along with other political figures and police officials.
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2:08 Ottawa, B. C. unveil anti-extortion measures
“All of us here today agree that we have to stop extortion and deal with the bad actors who are doing it,” he stated.
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The attempts at extortion often involve demands for money accompanied by threats of violence toward individuals or their businesses or families if payment isn’t made, according to Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
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The violent acts associated with these threats have included arson as well as gunfire directed at businesses, homes, and vehicles, he noted.
A specific trend observed particularly in Peel is an increase in incidents involving businesses and their owners,” he remarked.
Ruby Sahota, secretary of state responsible for combating crime and MP for a local riding said that extortion-related crimes can severely impact people’s lives and livelihoods.
Sahota mentioned she receives reports at least once or twice weekly “from people who get that call that they have been dreading. For people in Peel it’s not about if; it’s turned into a question of when.”
This meeting on Tuesday followed one held last November in Surrey, B. C., where concerns about extortion were also raised significantly.
– With files from Fatima Raza in Brampton, Ont.
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For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Anandasangaree expressed he was deeply affected by the personal stories shared by individuals who have faced threats of extortion. He described it as a “cowardly act” designed to instill fear among people.
2:08 Ottawa, B. C. unveil anti-extortion measures
“All of us here today agree that we have to stop extortion and deal with the bad actors who are doing it,” he stated.
Trending Now
Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
Air Canada suspends all flights to Cuba, effective immediately
The attempts at extortion often involve demands for money accompanied by threats of violence toward individuals or their businesses or families if payment isn’t made, according to Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
Story continues below
The violent acts associated with these threats have included arson as well as gunfire directed at businesses, homes, and vehicles, he noted.
A specific trend observed particularly in Peel is an increase in incidents involving businesses and their owners,” he remarked.
Ruby Sahota, secretary of state responsible for combating crime and MP for a local riding said that extortion-related crimes can severely impact people’s lives and livelihoods.
Sahota mentioned she receives reports at least once or twice weekly “from people who get that call that they have been dreading. For people in Peel it’s not about if; it’s turned into a question of when.”
This meeting on Tuesday followed one held last November in Surrey, B. C., where concerns about extortion were also raised significantly.
– With files from Fatima Raza in Brampton, Ont.
More on Crime More videos
& copy 2026 The Canadian PressSource link
