India – The Extortion Task Force of Peel Regional Police has arrested 17 men allegedly linked to an international criminal network known as the “Four Brothers” gang, in what authorities describe as a major crackdown on organized extortion targeting South Asian businesses across Canada.
According to a statement released by the police, investigators registered a total of 106 criminal charges against the accused and dismantled what officials called “a coordinated campaign of intimidation, threats, and escalating violence used to extort local businesses.”
The investigation revealed that the gang primarily targeted Indian and South Asian business owners in Ontario and British Columbia, especially members of the Punjabi community. Restaurant owners, trucking company operators, and other local entrepreneurs were allegedly threatened and pressured to pay large sums of money.
Police said businesses and homes belonging to victims who refused to comply were subjected to shootings and arson attacks. Investigators linked the accused to 24 violent incidents in which suspects allegedly fired 324 rounds at homes and commercial properties.
Gang Activity Across Multiple Canadian Cities
Authorities said the network operated mainly in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and parts of British Columbia, regions known for their large South Asian populations.
Most of the accused are between 22 and 30 years old. The largest number of arrests took place in Brampton, Ontario. Those arrested include:
- Iqbal Singh Bhagaria (25)
- Dilawarpreet Singh (26)
- Mandeep Singh (21)
- Prabhdeep Sohal (22)
- Pratapbir Ghuman (22)
- Ajaydeep Singh (29)
- Navroop Singh (24)
- Amritjot Singh (22)
- Jashanpreet Singh (22)
- Guneet Guneet (27)
- Sukhwinder Singh (32)
- Mohinder Singh (30)
Additional arrests were made in:
- Norval, Ontario: Akashdeep Singh (24)
- Surrey, British Columbia: Ravinder Singh (25) and Jashanbir Singh (21)
- Barrie, Ontario: Rajan Singh (28)
- Manteca, California, USA: Gautam Gautam (22)
Growing Concern Over Extortion Networks
The Peel Police operation is the latest in a series of investigations involving alleged extortion and gang violence connected to members of the Punjabi community in Canada.
Earlier investigations by the Edmonton Police Service uncovered an international organized crime network accused of extorting South Asian business owners. Several individuals, including Manav Heer, Gurkaran Singh, Jashandeep Kaur, and Parminder Singh, were arrested in that case.
In Surrey, police arrested Damanjit Singh and Pardaman Singh over allegations of firing at a residence and demanding ransom payments. Meanwhile, Calgary police also detained Jaskaran Singh and Karanbir Singh in connection with an alleged extortion racket.
Authorities in British Columbia have similarly filed cases against Avtar Singh, Sandeep Singh, and Jagdeep Singh over accusations of extortion and targeted shootings.
Alleged Links to Lawrence Bishnoi Network
Canadian law enforcement and intelligence agencies are also examining alleged links between these extortion activities and the network associated with jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
Officials believe the same criminal ecosystem may be connected to incidents involving shootings at properties linked to Punjabi artists including Gippy Grewal and AP Dhillon.
Immigration and Deportation Proceedings
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) stated that several of the accused are not permanent residents of Canada and were allegedly living in the country on expired work permits or asylum claims.
Authorities confirmed that six of the 17 accused could face deportation proceedings once their criminal cases conclude.
“Our efforts include intelligence sharing, investigations, arrests, detentions and removals of ineligible foreign nationals involved in extortion activities,” said CBSA President Erin O’Gorman.
She added that, as of May 7, 2026, Canadian authorities had initiated 446 immigration investigations, issued 118 removal orders on various grounds of inadmissibility, and deported 55 individuals connected to criminal activities.
