Five Individuals, Including Two Women Arrested In Extortion Probe Aimed At South Asian Businesses

Peel Region law enforcement is currently examining 29 distinct instances of attempted extortion targeting business owners of South Asian descent, causing alarm in Brampton’s community, according to the city’s mayor.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, the authorities disclosed these investigations through their recently established Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), revealing that five individuals have been apprehended in connection with three specific incidents.

The arrested individuals are 23-year-old Anmoldeep Singh from Mississauga, 23-year-old Gagan Ajit Singh from Brampton, 39-year-old Arundeep Thind, 25-year-old Hashmeet Kaur from Brampton and 21-year-old Iymanjot Kaur from Brampton.

Supt. Shelley Thompson, who leads the task force, highlighted that out of the 29 ongoing investigations, nine cases involve shootings at local establishments, with multiple rounds discharged. Remarkably, no injuries have been reported in any of these incidents.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, expressing concern about the impact on the South Asian community, stated, “This was terrorizing our community. This was terrorizing the South Asian community.” He further commended the arrests, emphasizing that they signify a significant achievement for public safety in the region.

It is imperative for local authorities to swiftly address these acts of extortion and ensure the safety of businesses and residents in Brampton. The Extortion Investigative Task Force’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice underscore the commitment to preserving security in the region.

This is a breaking news story. More to come.