5 more people arrested as part of Peel police probe into extortion against South Asian businesses | CBC News

Five more people are facing charges as part of an investigation into extortion attempts made against South Asian businesses in Brampton and Mississauga, police say.

The five accused — four men and one woman — were arrested and charged recently and have been released from custody with conditions, Peel Regional Police said in a news release on Thursday.

The woman and three of the men were charged with extortion. Police said they have also recovered four firearms.

According to police, the arrests and charges follow incidents in September 2023 and January, May, June and July of this year.

The recent arrests, charges and seizures of guns are all part of an investigation into extortion-related incidents by the Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), a team made up of investigative and intelligence units supported by tactical teams.

Police alleged in the release that extortion-related incidents in Peel Region have involved demands for large sums of money under the threat of violence. The incidents have also involved property damage and weapons offences.

“Victims of these incidents are often contacted through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, which allow online chat groups,” police said in the release.

Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a video statement that police noticed a “disturbing” trend in late 2023 in which business owners were becoming the victims of extortion attempts for large sums of money under the threat of violence.

“These incidents deeply impacted victims and their families and were felt throughout our community and communities right across this country,” he said. 

Task force has investigated over 60 incidents, chief says

In response, police set up the task force. Since it was launched, Duraiappah said police have investigated more than 60 extortion-related incidents, made 23 arrests and laid 154 charges.

Duraiappah said police have also seized 20 firearms, several rounds of ammunition, several high capacity gun magazines, more than 11 kilograms of methamphetamines and more than $10,000 in proceeds of crime. He added that police have recovered six stolen vehicles.

“The EITF continues to work closely with law enforcement partners across Canada and the U.S. to investigate these incidents, and we anticipate our efforts will lead to further arrests and charges,” Duraiappah said.

“Anyone who receives a demand for money under the threat of violence is urged not to make any form of payment and to call the police immediately.”

According to police, the five accused are a 27-year-old man from B.C., a 25-year-old man from Brampton, a 44-year-old man from Brampton, a 24-year-old man from Hamilton and a 21-year-old woman from Brampton.