Canadian police have said that they are investigating a “disturbing trend of extortion” attempts targeting members of the South Asian business community. “Victims are contacted through a variety of social media platforms and demands for money are made under threats of violence, which have occurred in some incidents,” the Peel Regional Police said in a statement on December 22.
Nine incidents are currently being investigated, the police said. “This has caused grave safety and security concerns among our community members,” said Chief of Peel Regional Police Nishan Duraiappah. “Terrorizing our residents will not be tolerated and Peel Regional Police will devote the resources to pursue those who are responsible.”
Tanmanjot Gill, a 23-year-old man from Abbotsford, British Columbia, was arrested earlier this month for discharging a gun and firing multiple rounds at a business near Rutherford Road South and Clark Boulevard in Brampton.
“Officers are looking for a second suspect, described as a South Asian male of medium build wearing a grey sweatshirt at the time of the incident, who later changed into a black sweatshirt with a white X on the back,” the police said in the statement.
Following these incidents, Peel Regional Police has launched an Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF). “This will be a dedicated team comprised of investigative and intelligence units supported by our tactical teams. The EITF will continue to work with community members and other law-enforcement agencies on the investigations,” the statement said.
READ MORE: Canada: Masked Men Target Theatres Playing Hindi Movies in Toronto, Police Probe Underway
Earlier this month, a police probe was launched after masked men targeted theatres playing Hindi movies in multiple Greater Toronto Area. In three different incidents, moviegoers were evacuated, and some received treatment for exposure to an unknown substance. York police said they were liaising with both Peel and Toronto police about similar incidents.
Comments
0 comment