Peel Regional Police report they have taken down a violent extortion ring that targeted South Asian business owners in the area and beyond, arresting 17 men and filing over 100 criminal charges after an extensive international investigation.
Police revealed the arrests on Monday, claiming that the group – referred to as “For Brothers” – was responsible for a prolonged campaign of threats, extortion, shootings, and arson primarily aimed at business owners in Brampton but also affecting those in Mississauga, Caledon, and British Columbia, with connections reaching California.
Investigators allege that many of the accused arrived in Canada from India as international students or workers. They are linked to 24 criminal incidents, which include 16 violent attacks involving arson and several shootings. Authorities say a total of 324 shots were fired during these incidents associated with the group.
“Residents were being inundated with extortion calls,” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown stated during a press conference on Monday. “This brazen and violent crime was sadly going unchallenged.”
Brown mentioned that business owners began voicing their concerns about extortion demands approximately three years ago, expressing fears for their families’ safety.
“In this case, all those charged are not even Canadian citizens, yet they acted without fear in our community,” Brown added.
According to police reports, several businesses including restaurants and trucking firms faced repeated attacks after refusing to meet extortion demands for cash, leading to escalating violence over time.
In one instance, authorities claim two suspects executed a shooting and an arson at a residence in Caledon before targeting another business in Brampton just minutes later during a second shooting.
The investigation started in December 2025 and involved Peel Regional Police along with the Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the FBI, and FINTRAC.
In April, investigators conducted multiple search warrants across different locations resulting in the arrests of 17 men who now face a total of 106 criminal charges.
Authorities also seized six firearms along with illegal drugs, numerous cell phones, SIM cards, and forged identification documents during this operation.
Officials indicated that six individuals charged by Peel police might face immigration proceedings which could lead to deportation once their legal cases are settled.
Separately, CBSA arrested six people for suspected immigration violations. Officials reported that three have already been removed from Canada; two remain detained while one has been released under conditions set by the Immigration and Refugee Board.
“These arrests showcase the joint efforts of Peel Regional Police alongside our law enforcement partners from various jurisdictions to disrupt these networks and ensure accountability,” said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “Extortion isn’t limited to just one region; it’s interconnected both nationally and internationally. Tackling it requires strong collaboration across borders along with intelligence-sharing among agencies. We understand how much fear this has instilled especially within the South Asian community; we’re committed to stopping these crimes to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Police noted that investigations continue with more arrests anticipated.
Since 2023,
The Extortion Task Force by Peel police has been looking into increasing cases of violent extortions involving threats,
financial demands,
shootings,
and arsons aimed at members of
the South Asian business community.Here are the names of those now charged:
Ravinder Singh,25,Cases:
• Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Discharge Firearm x2The Extortion Task Force by Peel police has been looking into increasing cases of violent extortions involving threats,
financial demands,
shootings,
and arsons aimed at members of
the South Asian business community.Here are the names of those now charged:
Iqbal Singh Bhagria,25,Cases:
• Intentionally discharge a Firearm Recklessly x2
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Arson Causing Damage to Property x2
• Utter Forged Document
• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence – Extortion
