Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is urgently seeking assistance from the provincial and federal government to address the alarming surge in extortion-related crimes plaguing his city and the surrounding Peel region.
Recently, Caledon resident Ranbir Mand shared a harrowing experience with OMNI News, recounting the terrifying moment when gunshots struck his home, leaving him and his family terrified. Mand suspects that he and his family have become targets for extortion, as evidenced by the threatening and intimidating messages he has received on WhatsApp.
The incident at Mand’s residence comes on the heels of a separate shooting incident at his family restaurant, further highlighting the escalating crisis of extortion in the area. Mand revealed that he was demanded a ransom of $3 million by the perpetrators who threatened to exploit their financial resources.
Peel Region has already seen 436 cases of extortion reported this year, prompting officials in Brampton to appeal for urgent assistance from higher levels of government. Mayor Brown has reached out to both the provincial and federal governments, advocating for targeted funding to support victims, the establishment of a specialized task force, and improved intelligence sharing to combat this growing threat.
Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh emphasized the pressing need for action, citing a significant increase in extortion cases in the region, with the current count standing at 172 cases this year compared to just 50 in 2023. Singh stressed the urgency of the situation and the necessity for immediate interventions to curb this disturbing trend.
In response to the escalating crisis, Premier Doug Ford and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree have acknowledged the severity of the issue and expressed their commitment to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to tackle organized crime and extortion effectively. Plans for a summit in Peel region in January aim to bring together various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat extortion and uphold community safety.
Peel police have already made considerable progress in apprehending individuals involved in extortion and violent crimes, laying 465 charges and recovering over $54.9 million in assets. Their relentless efforts underscore the commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the security of local communities.