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New Delhi: Canada’s Peel Regional police department has arrested seventeen persons, most of whom are of Indian descent, for allegedly running an international extortion network targetting South Asian businesspersons and community members. While most of the victims are linked to Punjab, there were mostly targeted in Greater Toronto Area and other areas. As per officials, some of those arrested are likely to be deported to India if they are found guilty.

The Task Force of Peel Regional Police announced the arrests on May 24. The investigation started in December 2025 and resulted in multiple raids across various locations in April this year, leading to 106 criminal charges.

Extortion Task Force Takes Down International Criminal Group Targeting South Asian Communityhttps://t.co/C0KbPLkvGN pic.twitter.com/9QNzoMqR6l

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice)

The arrested accused were part of an international organised crime gang known as “For Brothers” which
targeted victims in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and British Columbia. As per the officials, victims were restaurant owners and truck company operators. The gang used to repeatedly demand money from victims.

According to the Pell Regional Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah, “Extortion is not confined to one region but connected both nationally and internationally. Addressing it requires strong cross-border collaboration and intelligence-sharing among agencies.”

Duraiappah further stated, “The crackdown reflected coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies to ‘disrupt these networks and hold those responsible accountable.” He also acknowledged the fear generated within the South Asian community, saying police remained committed to stopping such crimes and ensuring community safety.

The accused have been  identified as Iqbal Singh Bhagria, 25, of Brampton; Akashdeep Singh, 24, of Norval; Ravinder Singh, 25, of Surrey; Jashanbir Singh, 21, of Surrey; Dilawarpreet Singh, 26, of Brampton; Mandeep Singh, 21, of Brampton; Prabhdeep Sohal, 22, of Brampton; Partapbir Ghuman, 22, of Brampton; Ajaydeep Singh, 29, of Brampton; Navroop Singh, 24, of Brampton; Rajan Singh, 28, of Barrie; Amritjot Singh, 22, of Brampton; Jashanpreet Singh, 22, of Brampton; Guneet Guneet, 27, of Brampton; Sukhwinder Singh, 32, of Brampton; Mohinder Singh, 30, of Brampton; and Gautam Gautam, 22, of Manteca, California.

The Canadian officials stated that six people charged by Peel Regional Police could face deportation after the criminal proceedings.

(Curated by Pushpak Gondane)