A new federal report reveals that the Bishnoi gang may not be the only criminal organization involved in extortion crimes in Canada. The report, from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), also states that international students from India facing financial pressure are being used as “money mules” in extortion crimes.
FINTRAC Special Bulletin
FINTRAC released a special bulletin providing insight into who is committing extortion violence in Canada and how much is being paid out by victims. The report says the majority of extortion crimes appear to be tied to criminal organizations. The Bishnoi gang, long rumoured to be involved in the extortion shootings in Surrey and having taken credit for some, may not be the only India-based group involved.
The Bambiha gang, a rival to the Bishnoi gang, has been involved in extortion, contract violence and large-scale protection rackets, according to FINTRAC. The report says Indian male nationals are being used as “foot soldiers” acting on behalf of criminal networks.
Cross-Border Operations
“The mobility of suspects reinforces the assessment that these networks operate across geographic boundaries. This adaptability allows offenders to exploit co-ordination gaps, making it difficult for authorities to contain their activities,” the report says.
Some financial patterns indicate that many victims — who are Punjabi-Canadian business owners in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario — are still paying the extortionists. Targets are typically contacted anonymously through calls or messages over encrypted chat applications, and large payments are demanded. If the individual does not comply, gunfire at their homes or businesses follows. In recent Surrey cases, there have also been arsons.
Community Response
“For me, this report is a very expensive ‘I told you so,’ because we should’ve been on this months ago because we knew this was happening and it’s what the community has been saying,” said Mohkam Singh Malik, a member of Surrey’s livability, social equity and public safety committee.
So far this year, there have been 87 extortions reported to Surrey police. Of those, 15 involved shootings and two were arsons, with a total of 46 victims impacted. Of the total victims, 25 had previously been victims of extortion.
“Continued efforts are also needed to reduce the stigma and fear that prevent victims from seeking help. These are factors that offenders increasingly rely on to maintain their influence and avoid detection,” FINTRAC says.
Victims are still paying extortionists, the report states, often in smaller amounts than initially demanded, which suggests they are negotiating more realistic payoffs. Some victims may also be paying out the money in several transactions over a period of time.
