Canada has deported three foreign nationals accused of participating in gang-led extortion rackets targeting Indian-origin business owners, amid a nationwide crackdown on organised crime linked to transnational networks. The move follows a surge in shootings and violent threats against Indian-owned establishments across the country, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that the deportations were carried out this week as part of a coordinated effort led by the British Columbia Extortion Task Force (BCETF) — a special unit established earlier this year to investigate and disrupt a wave of extortion-related crimes.
In an official statement, the CBSA said, “The agency has initiated immigration investigations into 78 foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to Canada due to their suspected involvement in organised criminal activities. Three individuals connected to these investigations have been removed from the country.”
The BCETF, which consists of 40 members from multiple federal and provincial policing agencies, has been working closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local law enforcement departments to address the recent escalation in gang violence.
Authorities said that most of the extortion attempts targeted members of the South Asian business community, who have reported receiving threats demanding large sums of money in exchange for protection. Those who refused allegedly faced arson attacks or shootings at their businesses or homes.
One of the most widely publicised incidents was the shooting outside comedian Kapil Sharma’s Café 2727 in Surrey, British Columbia, last month. Surveillance footage showed multiple gunmen opening fire at the restaurant’s entrance before fleeing the scene. While no injuries were reported, the attack sent shockwaves through the Indian-Canadian community.
The CBSA’s announcement comes amid growing concern over the presence of India-based criminal networks, including the Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and Rohit Godara gangs, whose operations have reportedly expanded into Canadian territory.
Despite Canada’s decision in October to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a foreign terrorist organisation, officials say the group’s criminal activities — particularly in Brampton, Mississauga, and Abbotsford — have intensified.
In Abbotsford, Indian-origin businessman Darshan Singh Sasi was shot dead last month outside his home. Days later, a social media account linked to the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the killing, calling it “a warning to others who refused to pay.”
Canadian investigators believe that these gangs are using social media and encrypted apps to coordinate extortion operations remotely, often issuing threats from abroad through local associates. The RCMP has confirmed that financial transactions connected to these threats are under forensic review, including possible links to hawala-style money transfers.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said that the deportations represent “just the beginning” of a larger national effort to dismantle such criminal networks. “Organised crime groups that threaten the safety of Canadians, regardless of where they come from, will not be tolerated,” he said.
Community leaders have welcomed the move but urged the government to do more to protect Indian-owned businesses. “It’s reassuring that action is being taken, but extortion calls haven’t stopped,” said Manjit Khela, a Surrey-based business association president. “People are afraid to report these threats because they fear retaliation.”
Officials have confirmed that intelligence-sharing has intensified between Canadian and Indian security agencies to track the movement of individuals associated with Bishnoi-linked networks.
With 78 suspects still under investigation and federal prosecutors reviewing fresh evidence, authorities say further deportations and criminal charges are expected in the coming weeks as Canada intensifies its crackdown on transnational organised crime.
