Extortion attempts primarily targeting South Asian businesses
ONTARIO’S Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) has laid several charges on a 30-year-old man from Toronto after recent incidents that occurred throughout the Greater Toronto Area since December 2023. These incidents included mischief to property, threats, and firearm-related offences.
On Wednesday, May 29, the EITF executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Toronto and arrested and charged Jaskaran Singh with extortion (two counts), careless storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device (two counts), knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm; knowledge of unauthorized possession of weapon (two counts); occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm; occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited device (two counts); possession of a loaded prohibited / restricted firearm without licence; disobey court order (three counts); and mischief over $5,000.
Jaskaran Singh was held for a bail hearing and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. He has since been granted bail and is currently on a court order with conditions.
Through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this Peel Regional Police investigation.
“We understand the impact these incidents have caused the victims and their families and see how deeply these incidents are being felt throughout our community. We took immediate steps in mobilizing the Extortion Investigative Task Force. With the help of our community, we have made arrests and will continue to hold accountable those responsible. We believe that there could be more residents and businesses who may have been contacted. I urge those business owners and community members to come forward to speak with our Extortion Investigative Task Force,” said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
Anyone with information or who is a victim of an extortion related offence, is asked to contact the Extortion Investigative Task Force at 1-866-966-0616, by email at taskforce@peelpolice.ca or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.