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

Since August last year, Canadian border authorities have deported 111 individuals in an effort to combat extortion violence targeting South Asian communities. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) identified 58 cases in the Pacific region, 30 in the Prairies, and 23 in Greater Toronto during this period. The agency launched its operations in August 2025, focusing on Western Canada, and later expanded to Ontario in November of the same year.

Their investigation aims to determine if foreign nationals involved in extortion violence have also violated Canadian immigration and refugee laws. Removal orders have been issued to a total of 188 individuals linked to extortion violence, with 91 in British Columbia, 47 in the Prairies, and 50 in the Greater Toronto Area. The CBSA relies on information from various sources, including law enforcement and public reporting, to build these cases.

The agency emphasizes the priority given to enforcing removals involving criminality, organized crime, and individuals posing a risk to public safety. A tip line has been established for individuals to share information on such cases with border agents. Surrey, British Columbia, has experienced significant extortion violence, with 139 reported incidents this year, including 21 incidents involving firearms, two arsons, and 74 victims.

While the agency did not disclose the home countries of the deportees, Canadian authorities have identified the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a key player in extortion crimes, designating it a terrorist group in September last year. The gang is responsible for murder, shootings, and arson, targeting diaspora communities across Canada.