Border authorities have deported 111 due to extortion violence since last August

Canadian border authorities have deported 111 individuals since August last year in an effort to combat extortion violence in South Asian communities, according to the Canada Border Services Agency. The agency initiated its deportation operation in August 2025 and subsequently expanded operations to Ontario in November of the same year. Of the 111 deportations, 58 were in the Pacific region, 30 in the Prairies, and 23 in Greater Toronto.

The removals were based on identifying immigration and refugee cases linked to extortion violence, and further investigated whether the implicated foreign nationals had violated Canadian immigration and refugee laws. The CBSA prioritizes the enforcement and removal of cases involving criminality, organized crime, and individuals posing a risk to public safety.

A total of 188 removal orders have been issued for foreign nationals linked to extortion violence, with 91 in British Columbia, 47 in the Prairies, and 50 in the Greater Toronto Area. Surrey, British Columbia has been particularly hard hit by the extortion violence, with 139 reported extortions this year, including 21 cases involving gunfire, two arsons, and 74 victims.

The Canada Border Services Agency attributes the extortion violence to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which originated in India and operates as a terrorist group. The agency emphasizes that the Bishnoi gang engages in murder, shootings, and arson as it targets diaspora communities.