OTTAWA – Canadian border authorities have taken significant action to address extortion violence within South Asian communities, resulting in the deportation of 111 individuals since August 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat organized crime and ensure public safety in Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that out of the 111 deportations, 58 cases originated from the Pacific region, 30 from the Prairie provinces, and 23 from the Greater Toronto Area. The agency began focusing its resources on identifying immigration and refugee cases linked to extortion violence specifically in Western Canada in August 2025, before extending operations to Ontario in November of the same year.
The main objective of the CBSA's operation is to investigate whether foreign nationals involved in extortion violence have also violated Canadian immigration and refugee laws. Consequently, individuals with known associations to organized crime or other criminal activities are being removed from the country. Notably, the agency has highlighted several cases, including the deportation of four men connected to firearms-related activities, serious criminality, and a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior.
From August 2025 to the present, a total of 188 removal orders have been issued by the CBSA targeting foreign nationals linked to extortion violence. Among these, 91 orders were issued in British Columbia, 47 in the Prairie provinces, and 50 in the Greater Toronto Area. The CBSA emphasizes that these investigations rely on intelligence gathered from law enforcement partners, other government agencies, ongoing CBSA-led investigations, and public reporting.
In its public statement, the CBSA asserted that it places a high priority on the enforcement and removal of individuals involved in criminal activities, organized crime, or those who pose a threat to public safety. To facilitate communication between law enforcement and the community, a dedicated tip line has been established to gather information regarding such cases.
Surrey, British Columbia, has emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas by extortion-related violence in Canada. Local police have reported a staggering 139 cases of extortion in the area so far this year, including 21 instances involving shots fired, two incidents of arson, and a total of 74 identifiable victims. The alarming situation has raised concerns among community members and law enforcement alike.
While the CBSA did not disclose the home countries of those deported, Canadian authorities have pointed to the influence of the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang in driving extortion-related crimes within the country. In September of the previous year, the Canadian federal government officially designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization due to its violent criminal activities.
According to Public Safety Canada, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang instills fear in the communities it operates within by engaging in extortions and acts of intimidation. The gang is implicated in a range of violent crimes, including murder, shootings, and arson, particularly targeting diaspora communities across Canada.
This information has come to light as part of the ongoing efforts to tackle organized crime and enhance public safety in Canadian communities. The emphasis on collaborative investigations between government agencies highlights the seriousness with which Canada is addressing the issue of extortion violence.
