Canada Indian-origin arrests for extortion, firearms offenses target South Asian businesses

09 Feb, 2024

Canada Indian-origin arrests for extortion, firearms offenses target South Asian businesses

Five individuals of Indian origin have been apprehended by Canadian law enforcement for their involvement in a series of offenses including mischief to property, threats, and firearms-related crimes. This group, comprising three men and two women, allegedly targeted businesses within the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area. The Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police, conducted a search at a residence in Brampton on January 24, 2024, resulting in the arrest of four individuals: Gagan Ajit Singh, Anmoldeep Singh, Hashmeet Kaur, and Iymanjot Kaur, all aged between 21 and 25.

Gagan Ajit Singh faces charges including extortion, uttering threats, arson, and firearm-related offenses, while Anmoldeep Singh is charged with multiple firearm offenses and fraud. The remaining individuals also face charges related to firearms. Additionally, Arundeep Thind, aged 39, has been charged with extortion and is reported to be without a fixed address.

The extortion task force was established following an increase in reports from South Asian business owners regarding threats of violence if they did not comply with monetary demands. Superintendent Shelley Thompson, overseeing the task force, noted that businesses across various sectors such as restaurants, bakeries, and car dealerships were targeted.

The modus operandi involved contacting owners via phone calls or social media platforms to demand cash or money transfers, often in Canadian dollars or Indian rupees. While no injuries were reported, gunfire was directed at unoccupied businesses in nine instances. The investigation has revealed similar extortion attempts in other Canadian cities and jurisdictions in the US.