5 arrested as number of threats, shootings against South Asians continues to climb in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario

Police have begun dismantling a “complex ecosystem” of alleged extortionists targeting the South Asian community in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, saying nearly 30 cases have been reported including at least nine shootings.

“It is absolutely our responsibility to make sure we respond, and end this trend,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said on Wednesday while giving an update on the investigation into dozens of attacks and threats against South Asian businesses and residents.

“This not only affects businesses but their owners and families,” the chief said.

Duraiappah said investigators on PRP’s new Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) can “hear the fear” from residents who’ve been targeted by the scammers, with the number of reported extortions now up to 29 in Peel Region.

In one incident police say multiple gunshots were fired at a business near Rutherford Road South and Clark Boulevard in Brampton. One person was arrested in the shooting while one suspect is still at large.

And while police say there are likely more cases still unreported, the task force says five arrests have been made linked to at least three of the extortions with police seizing guns, cash and at least 50 mobile phones.

Peel police launched the task force in December following an “increasing trend of extortions,” with similar incidents targeting South Asians in B.C., Alberta and the U.S.

The scam starts with a phone call or text message from fraudsters making threats for protection money, and in some cases, the demands have escalated to violence.

And though investigators have said these types of extortions are common in India, Peel police say they have not found a link to organized crime in that country.

Some of the targets have been businesses like restaurants and bakeries, trucking and transport companies, used car dealerships and jewellery stores, the chief said. But in some cases, an individual’s home or family has been targeted with at least nine extortion-related shootings and one arson under the task force’s investigation.

Duraiappah said investigators have identified “a wide range of individuals” involved in the extortions, ranging from alleged gunmen to those making phone calls and threats.

Among the recent arrests are 23-year-olds Anmoldeep Singh and Gagan Ajit Singh, both of Brampton, who have been charged with multiple offences including fraud over $5,000.

The task force also says that much of the personal information used by extortionists to make threats can be easily accessed online, and police are urging residents to be careful about what details they share on social media.

The chief said Peel police are coordinating with law enforcement in India and across Canada and investigators are urging anyone who’s been a target to come forward to police.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called the task force arrests “a big win for public safety” and sends a message to the extortionists “that if you’re going to terrorize our residents will not be tolerated.”

Here are all the arrests and charges laid by the extortion task force so far:

Gagan Ajit Singh, a 23-year-old man from Brampton, was charged with the following:

• Extortion (two counts)
• Utter Threats to Cause Death
• Discharge Firearm with Intent
• Arson Causing Damage to Property
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
• Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Fraud Over $5,000

Anmoldeep Singh, a 23-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with the following:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Fraud over $5,000

Hashmeet Kaur, a 25-year-old female from Brampton, was charged with the following;

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

Iymanjot Kaur, a 21-year-old female from Brampton, was charged with the following:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

Arundeep Thind, a 39-year-old man of no fixed address, is charged with the following offence:

• Extortion