Canada Intensifies Crackdown on Extortion Networks

Ottawa, ON – March 19, 2026 – Canadian authorities are escalating efforts to dismantle extortion networks across the country, with a particular focus on immigration enforcement and the removal of individuals linked to organized crime. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is collaborating with law enforcement partners through joint task forces to target these criminal activities, which harm Canadians, communities and businesses.

CBSA Collaboration with Law Enforcement

The CBSA is working closely with police services through joint task forces, including the BC Extortion Task Force in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in Edmonton and Calgary. These partnerships extend to continued joint efforts with local police in Ontario and across Canada . When police identify individuals potentially violating the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), they notify the CBSA, initiating investigations that may lead to immigration enforcement actions, including deportation.

Expanded Monitoring and Enforcement

Formal monitoring of immigration enforcement cases potentially linked to extortion began in the Pacific and Prairie Regions in August 2025, expanding to the Greater Toronto Area Region in November 2025. These cases are identified through collaboration with extortion task forces, tips from partner agencies and the public, and the CBSA’s own investigative work. As of March 12, 2026, the CBSA has opened 372 immigration investigations, issued 70 removal orders, and enforced 35 removals .

Recent Removal Cases

Two recent cases highlight the CBSA’s efforts:

• Arshdeep Singh: Arrested in November 2025, Mr. Singh entered Canada on a study permit in 2022. He was deemed inadmissible for membership in a criminal organization linked to extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearm offences. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) issued a deportation order in December 2025, and he was removed from Canada on January 19, 2026.
• Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu: Arrested in November 2025, Mr. Sandhu entered Canada as a temporary resident in 2016. He was found inadmissible for organized criminality by the IRB and issued a deportation order. He was removed from Canada on February 3, 2026.

Ongoing Investigations and Reporting

The CBSA continues to investigate individuals allegedly involved in extortion and related activities, taking appropriate enforcement action as investigations conclude. The public can contribute by sharing information or reporting the whereabouts of individuals inadmissible to Canada through the Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060 .

British Columbia’s Coordinated Response

In British Columbia, the provincial government, the BC Extortion Task Force, police services, federal and municipal partners are working together to investigate, prevent, and stop extortion-related crimes . The B.C. Extortion Task Force began in September 2025 and is receiving $4 million in federal funding over four years to support its work . An additional $1 million will be spent on victim support services.

Recent actions in B.C. Include additional measures to protect Canadians and businesses against extortion, the release of photos to aid investigations, and the establishment of a community advisory group on the extortion crisis .