The EITFs have been phenomenally successful in their investigation relating to the extortions against South Asian businesses in Brampton and Mississauga, where a recent series of efforts brought numerous arrests and four seized firearms. The EITF continues to work with law enforcement agencies throughout Canada in combatting this disturbing trend.
The extortion cases all involved demands for high amounts of money, under threat of violence. In most cases, suspects used the social media applications WhatsApp and Facebook to convey a threat. Police urge anyone who receives a similar demand not to make any payment and to immediately call police. The EITF can be reached at 1-866-966-0616.
Key Arrests and Charges:
Bandhumaan Sekhon, 27, of British Columbia was arrested on August 19, 2024, for an incident in January 2024. He is facing conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of property obtained by crime and careless use of a firearm. Sekhon has been released into the community with conditions imposed by the court after a bail hearing.
Harmanjit Singh, 25, of Brampton: Charged in an extortion incident in May 2024 with the arrest occurring on July 4, 2024. Singh is charged with extortion, uttering threats, assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm and obstructing a peace officer. He was held for a bail hearing and later released on conditions.
Tejinder Tatla, 44, of Brampton was arrested on July 25, 2024 for uttering threats against the owner of a business and his family in June 2024. Three firearms were seized upon search of the accused. Tatla was charged with extortion and unsafe storage. He has been released on court-imposed bail conditions following a hearing.
Rukhsar Achakzai, 21, of Brampton, arrested on July 30, 2024, for incidents between September 2023. Achakzai is charged with extortion and mischief under $5,000. She was released on bail with conditions.
Dinesh Kumar, 24, of Hamilton, arrested on August 14, 2024, for an incident in July 2024. Kumar is charged with extortion and was released with a future court date and conditions.
Update on Investigation and Impact to Community:
To date the EITF has investigated more than 60 instances of extortion resulting in the arrest of 21 persons and the laying of 154 criminal code charges. Also seized were 20 firearms and over 11 kgs of methamphetamines with over $10,000 in criminal proceeds. Additionally, six stolen vehicles were recovered. “These have included incidents of property damage, threats of violence as well as firearms offenses and have affected many in the South Asian business community.”
Peel’s police chief, Nishan Duraiappah, took to Twitter and expressed his concern for the upward trend in the cases of extortion, adding, “the situation is disturbing.” These efforts have been critical for EITF while trying to put a barrier on the activities that sent shockwaves in this area and well beyond.