Peel Police Charge 17 in Extortion Ring Targeting South Asian Community

A Peel Police shoulder patch is seen in Mississauga, Ont., on July 1, 2023. The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey

Peel Regional Police have laid 106 charges against 17 people following an investigation into a violent extortion ring targeting South Asian businesses across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The 17 individuals, most of whom allegedly have ties to an international criminal network known as “For Brothers,” are accused of targeting South Asian business owners and community members across the GTA, as well as in British Columbia, with links to the United States, according to a police news release.

In December 2025, Peel police launched a joint investigation with the Ontario Provincial Police, Edmonton Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency, FBI, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

The task force investigated reports of intimidation, threats, and escalating violence used to extort South Asian businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon, as well as in other parts of Canada, the release says.

“Several businesses, including restaurants and trucking companies, were repeatedly targeted after refusing to comply with extortion demands, highlighting the group’s persistence and increasingly violent tactics,” police said.

In one incident, investigators allege two of the accused carried out a shooting and arson at a residential property in Caledon, followed minutes later by a second shooting targeting a business in Brampton.

The 17 suspects are linked to 24 incidents, including 16 violent cases involving arson and shootings, police said. All but three of the suspects are from the GTA, while one is from Manteca, California, and two are from Surrey, B.C.

“Six individuals charged by Peel Regional Police may face immigration action, including possible removal from the country, after their criminal cases are finished,” the release says.

The Canada Border Services Agency also arrested and detained six individuals for immigration inadmissibility connected to the investigation. Of those, three have been removed from Canada, two remain in custody, and one has been released by the Immigration and Refugee Board under conditions, the release says.

During the investigation, police seized six firearms, illicit drugs, multiple cellphones, SIM cards, and fraudulent identification documents.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with information, or who may have been a victim of extortion, to contact Peel Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.

“Extortion is not confined to one region but connected both nationally and internationally. Addressing it requires strong cross-border collaboration and intelligence-sharing among agencies,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.

“We recognize the fear and harm this has caused, particularly within the South Asian community, and remain committed to put a stop to these crimes and keep our communities safe.”