People in Peel Region are welcoming federal support aimed at tackling extortion crimes, especially since many business owners have relocated due to safety concerns, according to Brampton’s deputy mayor.
“We’re witnessing a mass departure of business owners from the Peel region and the city of Brampton who fear for their safety,” stated Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh.
This issue affects long-time residents and businesses that form the “backbone” of the community, he noted.
On Thursday, federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced that specialized financial intelligence experts will assist regions like Peel in addressing extortion crimes targeting both businesses and households across Canada.
“Every investigation involves a person-a shop owner, an employee who relies on their job, a family that deserves security in their neighborhood,” said Champagne.
“To those who have been targeted, I want to say you’re not alone. We stand with you; law enforcement stands with you; Canada stands with you.”
WATCH | Federal support announced Thursday to combat extortion crime:
Canadian intelligence experts to focus on extortion crime, federal minister says
Canadian financial intelligence experts plan to adopt a ‘follow the money’ approach to tackle extortion crimes, said federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during a press conference on Thursday. As CBC’s Tyler Cheese explains, these threats are impacting various communities in Ontario.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) will collaborate closely with local police forces and prioritize obtaining timely and relevant financial intelligence needed to identify criminal networks and aid investigations, added Champagne.
Singh along with other community members mentioned that law enforcement often takes time to investigate and deal with extortion cases but they hope that the new federal support combined with the “follow the money” strategy will “make a significant impact” on these issues.
“These crimes happen quickly while gathering evidence and intelligence doesn’t keep pace,” said Singh.
He remarked that such crimes are particularly “devastating” as they affect entire families.
Currently criminals see extortion as offering “high rewards with low risks,” which Milinovich indicates they aim to change by making it extremely risky while minimizing potential rewards. Their strategy involves leveraging FINTRAC experts alongside federal assistance aimed at disrupting these gains by tracing them back towards criminals. “Follow the money-and you’ll discover who’s orchestrating these [crimes],” said Milinovich. A Conservative MPP Frank Caputo (Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola) expressed skepticism about this announcement stating it “won’t do anything substantial regarding street violence.” “Criminals disregard regulations; they’ll find alternative methods for laundering their illegal proceeds,” he asserted. “FINTRAC already exists primarily for ‘following money’ using established tools.” “All that’s happened here is creating another slogan along with performative gestures while overlooking fundamental issues.”
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Canadian intelligence experts to focus on extortion crime, federal minister says
Canadian financial intelligence experts plan to adopt a ‘follow the money’ approach to tackle extortion crimes, said federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during a press conference on Thursday. As CBC’s Tyler Cheese explains, these threats are impacting various communities in Ontario.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) will collaborate closely with local police forces and prioritize obtaining timely and relevant financial intelligence needed to identify criminal networks and aid investigations, added Champagne.
Singh along with other community members mentioned that law enforcement often takes time to investigate and deal with extortion cases but they hope that the new federal support combined with the “follow the money” strategy will “make a significant impact” on these issues.
“These crimes happen quickly while gathering evidence and intelligence doesn’t keep pace,” said Singh.
He remarked that such crimes are particularly “devastating” as they affect entire families.
A Call for Urgent Solutions: Psychiatrist Speaks Out
The fear of being targeted by extortionists has recently become widespread among his clients, remarked Dr. Maher Hussain, a psychiatrist associated with South Asian Canadians Health & Social Services. Two of his clients relocated out of Peel Region-one moving to the U. S. and another returning to India-after receiving threatening phone calls, he shared. “The police were also assisting them but they felt it wasn’t sufficient help. They didn’t feel safe,” he explained. Hussain expressed “some hope” regarding the recent federal announcement while stressing that an urgent solution is necessary for residents’ safety. A total of 476 extortion incidents were reported in Peel Region in 2025-a number that’s been rising over time, noted Peel police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich during an interview on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning Friday. The most frequent types of extortion cases reported include those linked to tow-truck violence, drug trafficking issues, and those specifically targeting business owners. The latter category has raised “a tremendous amount of concern” within the community as cases surged from impacting 50 businesses in 2023 up to 153 in 2024 before reaching 192 in 2025.WATCH | Caledon mayor called for federal support last year:
Caledon’s mayor calls for feds to help combat extortion cases
As worried victims seek answers, Caledon’s mayor asserts that their town lacks enough resources against international extortion tactics and is calling for assistance from Ottawa. CBC’s Naama Weingarten elaborates. This trend mirrors early patterns seen in auto thefts within the area,” he stated. “I often feel like Peel serves as a canary in the coal mine; we tend to experience issues first,” he commented.Currently criminals see extortion as offering “high rewards with low risks,” which Milinovich indicates they aim to change by making it extremely risky while minimizing potential rewards. Their strategy involves leveraging FINTRAC experts alongside federal assistance aimed at disrupting these gains by tracing them back towards criminals. “Follow the money-and you’ll discover who’s orchestrating these [crimes],” said Milinovich. A Conservative MPP Frank Caputo (Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola) expressed skepticism about this announcement stating it “won’t do anything substantial regarding street violence.” “Criminals disregard regulations; they’ll find alternative methods for laundering their illegal proceeds,” he asserted. “FINTRAC already exists primarily for ‘following money’ using established tools.” “All that’s happened here is creating another slogan along with performative gestures while overlooking fundamental issues.”
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