This week at Brampton City Council, we received a critical update on the escalating issue of extortion in Peel Region and the coordinated actions underway to protect our community. The definition for extortion in the Criminal Code of Canada is the act of making ‘threats, accusations, menaces or violence’ in order to induce the complainant to do something, usually pay money.
For years, I have worked on public safety issues locally and nationally through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities advocating for stronger oversight, better intelligence sharing, and the resources our residents deserve.
“Extortion in Peel is not an abstract trend, it is reaching the front doors of our small businesses and families,” said Councillor Rowena Santos. “We cannot accept a situation where Brampton faces the highest number of business-related extortions in the country while being overlooked for federal support provided elsewhere. Our community deserves action, transparency, and real investment to keep people safe.”
Peel continues to experience the highest per-capita rate of business-targeted extortions in Canada:
- 2023: 50
- 2024: 153
- 2025: 172 (year-to-date)
These are not just numbers. They represent intimidation, fear, financial loss, and sleepless nights for business owners who built their livelihoods through hard work and perseverance.
As Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich emphasized, Brampton’s success, diversity, and strong small-business base have made the city a prime target for transnational criminal networks exploiting digital tools, cross-border mobility, and organized intimidation tactics.
Peel Regional Police continue to lead the national response to extortion through coordinated enforcement initiatives including the Extortion Investigative Task Force, Project Sahara, and Project Outsource. To date, their work has resulted in:
- 267 charges laid
- 48 arrests
- 26 firearms seized
- 20–30 full-time investigators assigned
- Over $8 million invested in investigative hours
A new dedicated Extortion Task Force, including 20 investigators trained specifically on extortion, shootings, and arson, has now been launched to strengthen response and address emerging threats.
Peel Police have also played a central role in national security advocacy. Their leadership contributed to the Bishnoi Gang receiving a terrorist designation, an important tool in disrupting transnational crime and protecting local residents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo8bU4SV6O0
Through provincial advocacy, similar threats in British Columbia triggered dedicated federal support. The province of Ontario has yet to advocate and push the Federal Government to give the same opportunity for Peel Police to access equitable support. This disparity places a significant burden on local police services and regional partners.
I will continue to advocate particularly to the Provincial and Federal Government, with our Council and Peel Police, for the resources necessary to deal with this growing concern in our community.