Canadian immigration officials have launched investigations into 296 foreign nationals identified by British Columbia’s anti-extortion unit. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirms these individuals were flagged by task force partner agencies as persons of interest. These figures, current as of February 4, mark a significant rise from just over 100 active probes a month earlier.
Escalating Enforcement Actions
Immigration enforcement officers are examining the cases for potential inadmissibility, which could lead to removal from Canada due to immigration violations. As a result, CBSA has issued removal orders to 32 individuals, with 10 already deported. Another nine await hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board that may result in deportation.
Extortion Wave Targets South Asian Communities
The investigations tie into a broader crackdown on extortion gangs terrorizing cities with large South Asian populations, particularly those of Sikh background, in B.C., Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. India-based crime groups demand large payments from victims, starting with phone threats and escalating to bullet-riddled homes, arson attacks on businesses, and even killings.
Local recruits, often Indian nationals who entered Canada on expired student or work permits, carry out the violence. Key players include the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which continues operations despite Bishnoi’s imprisonment in India.
Government and Law Enforcement Response
The B.C. government established an extortion task force led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), incorporating CBSA officers. “In delivering on its public safety mandate, the CBSA works with law enforcement partners to rid Canada of foreign criminals who have no right to be here,” the task force stated in a January 20 update.
Last September, Ottawa designated the Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity for targeting South Asian community leaders, businesses, and cultural figures. B.C. Premier David Eby, alongside Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke—where many incidents occur—has pushed for enhanced federal resources. Eby described the extortions as a “slow-motion terror attack” and secured additional police officers and helicopters. He also criticized delays in deportations, calling it “ludicrous” that some suspects claim refugee status.
Alleged Ties to Indian Government
The RCMP alleges the Bishnoi gang has acted on behalf of India’s government in extortion and murder-for-hire schemes. Canada links the group to violence against Khalistan separatist supporters seeking independence for Punjab.
Evidence emerged after the 2023 assassination of Sikh temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, allegedly by four Indian nationals directed by Bishnoi under orders from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. The suspects, arrested in Alberta and Ontario in 2024, await trial in B.C., while Bishnoi and his Canadian associate Goldy Brar face no charges.
In October 2024 testimony, National Security Advisor Nathalie Drouin stated: “Senior levels of the Indian government worked with the Bishnoi gang to wage violence in Canada.” She detailed how Indian diplomats and agents gathered intelligence on Canadians, passing it to New Delhi officials who directed crimes via Bishnoi’s network. “Serious crimes committed in Canada include homicides, assassination plots, perpetrated extortions and other extreme violence,” Drouin told the public safety committee.
Diplomatic Engagements Amid Tensions
Despite allegations, Prime Minister Mark Carney is strengthening national security ties with India. India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Drouin and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree in Ottawa on February 6 and 7. The Privy Council Office announced agreements to exchange security and law enforcement liaison officers for better information sharing.
Public Safety Minister Anandasangaree defended the talks: “It’s important that we have constructive dialogue around safety and security.”
Sikh Community Outrage
Canadian Sikh groups condemned Doval’s visit. Moninder Singh, spokesperson for the Sikh Federation Canada and among those warned by RCMP of threats, called it “a grotesque betrayal.” He accused Doval of orchestrating repression and using criminal proxies to terrorize the diaspora under the guise of security cooperation.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed disappointment, stating Doval is “widely regarded as the architect of India’s foreign espionage and transnational repression operations.” Spokesperson Balpreet Singh added: “We have been clear that any so-called re-engagement with India must be grounded in accountability. This isn’t diplomacy, it is appeasement.”
Broader Assassination Plots
India faces accusations of plotting to kill New York-based Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. U.S. authorities link the foiled scheme to an Indian intelligence official. Nikhil Gupta recently pleaded guilty in the U.S. to his involvement. Both Nijjar and Pannun were organizing a Khalistan referendum at the time, with no charges against them in Canada or the U.S.
