Extortion Threats Prompt Indian Families to Flee Canada as Police Struggle with Cross-Border Cases
Families in Peel Region, Ontario, are being forced to leave Canada due to escalating extortion threats and violent attacks, with police departments grappling to manage these complex cases that frequently cross provincial and international borders. According to a report from Toronto City News, the situation has become so dire that many residents, particularly of Indian origin, are choosing to abandon their homes and relocate abroad for safety.
Dharmjit's Harrowing Experience with Extortion Gangs
Dharmjit, an Indian-origin man who was targeted by an extortion gang in late 2025, shared his terrifying ordeal. He revealed that the police lack sufficient resources to combat these criminals effectively. Dharmjit began receiving extortion calls in October 2025 and immediately informed the authorities, blocking all the numbers used by the perpetrators. However, the calls persisted relentlessly.
The situation escalated dramatically on November 25 when gunmen opened fire at his farm. The police advised Dharmjit and his family to vacate their residence temporarily, which they did. Yet, upon their return, the gunfire resumed, leaving them in a state of perpetual fear.
"So if the police cannot protect you, the police have nothing to protect you. So what do you do? They say, leave from your house, leave your house. Where do you go? Why do you want to buy another house in the same area or the same country? Better leave the country," Dharmjit stated, highlighting the desperation felt by many victims.
He recounted the sequence of events: "They start in October, calling me about money. Then I informed the police. So I blocked the number, then they started calling from another number, and I blocked this number. Then they come on November 25th at my farm, they shoot, at night."
Link to the Bishnoi Gang and Organized Crime
Extortion targeting individuals of Indian descent has become alarmingly common in Canada, prompting local governments to appeal to federal authorities for assistance in tackling this organized crime wave. The operations are widely believed to be masterminded by Indian-Canadian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in India.
The Bishnoi gang's modus operandi involves:
- Identifying potential targets within the Indian community
- Demanding large sums of money through threatening calls
- Shooting at the victim's property to instill fear
- Recording videos of the attacks
- Using these videos to make further monetary demands, with threats of escalating violence inside homes
Despite these allegations, Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich has stated that there is currently no concrete evidence directly linking these extortion cases to the Bishnoi gang. This discrepancy adds to the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the crisis.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The ongoing extortion campaign has created a climate of fear among Indian-Canadian communities, particularly in regions like Peel. Many families are now considering emigration as a last resort, fearing for their safety and lacking confidence in the protective capabilities of local police forces.
The cross-border nature of these crimes complicates investigative efforts, as perpetrators often operate from outside Canada, making it difficult for authorities to apprehend them. This has led to calls for enhanced international cooperation and increased resources for police departments to better handle such transnational criminal activities.
As the situation continues to unfold, the exodus of families from Canada serves as a stark reminder of the severe impact organized crime can have on community stability and individual security.
