Mississauga (Feb 7) – Three men and two women have been arrested in connection with an investigation into several extortion threats targeting South Asian businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Peel police announced at a news conference on Wednesday that their Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) had laid a total of 24 charges in relation to the 29 cases under investigation. These incidents included mischief to property, threats, and firearms-related offences.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said that the arrests were made “with the help of our community”.
Four of the five people were arrested after the EITF executed a search warrant at a Brampton residence on January 24. The arrests were in connection with threats made to a Caledon business owner in December and January, police said.
The two men, Gagan Ajit Singh (23) from Brampton and Anmoldeep Singh (23) from Mississauga, were held for bail hearings and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Two women from Brampton, Hashmeet Kaur (25) and Iymanjot Kaur (21) were also charged and will attend the Ontario Court of Justice a later date.
Police also found a large sum of cash, 50 cell phones, 11 laptops and a firearm with several rounds of ammunition at the residence.
Arundeep Thind, a 39-year-old man of no fixed address, was charged with extortion two days later after a 32-year-old victim allegedly received a phone call and threatening WhatsApp messages demanding large sums of money.
“We believe that there could be more residents and businesses who may have been contacted,” Chief Duraiappah said. “I urge those business owners and community members to come forward to speak with our Extortion Investigative Task Force.” Chief Duraiappah added.
Similar extortion attempts are under investigation in Edmonton, the Lower Mainland of B.C. and several US jurisdictions. The Peel task force says it is in communication with police services in all these locations including law enforcement agencies in India.
Anyone with information or who is a victim of an extortion related offence, is asked to contact the Extortion Investigative Task Force at 1-866-966-0616, by email at taskforce@peelpolice.ca or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
