Peel police announce 17 arrests in alleged extortion network targeting Punjabi business owners

Peel Regional Police say 17 people have been arrested following a joint investigation into an alleged extortion network that targeted members of the Punjabi business community in Ontario and British Columbia.

Police announced the arrests during a Monday press conference, describing the investigation as a coordinated operation involving Peel Regional Police, Surrey Police Service, the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to police, investigators identified a criminal network known as the “Brothers Keepers” gang, which officers allege was linked to multiple extortion incidents and shootings connected to South Asian business owners. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Among those arrested is 22-year-old Gautam, who police said has ties to California. Other accused include Brampton residents Navroop Singh, Mandeep Singh, Amarjot Singh, Jashanpreet Singh and Mohinder Singh. Police said the accused range in age from 21 to 30 years old. One of the accused, 21-year-old Jashanbir Singh, is from Surrey, B.C.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said six of the 17 accused are facing immigration-related proceedings. Police said two suspects remain in CBSA custody, while some individuals connected to the investigation have already been deported from Canada.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns from Punjabi business owners in Ontario and British Columbia about extortion threats, intimidation and targeted violence linked to organized crime groups.