17 charged in Toronto-area extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses @globeandmail
17 charged in Toronto-area extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses  @globeandmail
Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Seventeen male suspects, many of whom came to Canada from India on student visas and temporary work permits, have been criminally charged following a sweeping investigation into violent extortion rings targeting the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area, police say.

Peel Regional Police announced the arrests on Monday, following a joint investigation involving provincial, federal and U.S. authorities that began in December, 2025.

Investigators said several of the men arrested in recent weeks are part of a group known as the For Brothers gang. Police have laid more than 100 charges, including 75 firearm offences, 11 extortion-related charges and two arson charges.

Officials told reporters that extortion schemes targeting the South Asian community are too prevalent in Canada – and even causing some immigrant entrepreneurs to consider leaving the country. Authorities said they are eyeing other potential busts and will seek to curb extortion by moving to deport perpetrators.

Charging documents filed in court say that 12 of the 17 arrested suspects were living in Brampton, a large suburb north of Toronto.

Six of the people charged in the investigation may face immigration action, including possible removal from the country after their criminal cases are finished, said Canada Border Services Agency president Erin O’Gorman. #brampton #ontario #crime
17 charged in Toronto-area extortion scheme targeting South Asian businessesVenezuela declares state of emergency after earthquakes shake the countryThousands march for Team CanadaWhat Canada can learn from Indigenous fire practicesHow much does drag cost?A reality check on Alberta separatismCars set on fire outside home of Liberal MP Salma ZahidInfluencers in the White HouseCanadas first World Cup is hereU.S. border agent shoots and wounds man and woman in PortlandEncore: The hidden cost of cheap stuffCar crashes near World Cup crowds
The Globe and Mail |

17 charged in Toronto-area extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER