Crackdown on Transnational Extortion Rackets Across Canada

CBSA confirms deportations as investigations expand in B.C. and the GTA.

Canadian authorities have launched a coordinated enforcement push against transnational organized crime groups behind a wave of extortion threats and violence targeting businesses—particularly within the South Asian community in British Columbia (B.C.) and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

What’s happened

• Deportations carried out: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has removed three foreign nationals linked to the extortion schemes.
• Large-scale probe underway: Immigration investigations are active for 78 additional foreign nationals suspected of involvement, including ties to the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
• Clear warning from officials: Those driving violent extortion will be pursued, arrested, and removed from Canada.

Why it matters

This marks a notable escalation in the federal response to highly public intimidation tactics used against Canadian residents and business owners. The actions signal a priority focus on cross-border networks operating inside Canada’s largest urban centres.