Canada investigates hundreds linked to BC extortion amid India ties concerns

Ottawa is investigating hundreds of foreign nationals flagged by British Columbia’s anti-extortion task force, a surge in cases coinciding with escalating concerns over transnational crime and alleged Indian government involvement in attacks on Canadian soil.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has launched probes into 296 individuals identified as “persons of interest” by partner agencies working with the B.C. Extortion Task Force, according to figures released February 4th. This represents a significant increase from just over 100 investigations underway a month prior. As of February 4th, 32 people have been issued removal orders, with 10 already deported from Canada. An additional nine individuals are awaiting deportation hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board.

The investigations come as Canadian authorities grapple with a wave of extortion targeting members of the South Asian community, particularly those of Sikh background, in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Victims are typically first threatened by phone, followed by acts of violence – including shootings and arson – if demands for money are not met. The violence is often carried out by Indian nationals who entered Canada on student or work permits that have since expired.

Behind many of these incidents lies the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization that Canadian authorities allege is acting on behalf of the Indian government. An RCMP report, obtained by Global News, explicitly states the Bishnoi gang is “known to use violence to further their criminal enterprise, while allegedly acting on behalf of the Indian government.” The report, distributed internally last year, references a June 17, 2025, statement by British Columbia Premier David Eby calling for the Bishnoi gang to be listed as a terrorist organization.

The alleged links between the Bishnoi gang and the Indian government are particularly sensitive as Canada seeks to deepen trade ties with New Delhi. Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly planning a visit to India later this year, following a recent trade mission led by Premier Eby. However, the RCMP’s assessment raises questions about the compatibility of economic interests with national security concerns.

The situation is further complicated by the recent guilty plea of Nikhil Gupta in a U.S. Court for his role in a conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based pro-Khalistan activist. The FBI alleges that an Indian intelligence official directed the plot. This follows the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh temple leader in Surrey, B.C., which Canadian authorities have also linked to Indian government agents.

Canada placed the Bishnoi gang on its list of terrorist entities last September, citing its involvement in targeting South Asian community leaders, businesses, and cultural figures. The B.C. Government subsequently formed an extortion task force, led by the RCMP and including immigration enforcement officers, to combat the growing threat.

Premier Eby has been vocal in calling for increased federal support to address the crisis, describing the extortion wave as a “slow-motion terror attack.” He has successfully lobbied for additional police resources and helicopters for affected communities, and has also advocated for changes to deportation procedures, criticizing the fact that some extortion suspects have claimed refugee status, potentially delaying their removal from Canada.

The Canadian government’s response has drawn criticism from Sikh organizations, who argue that Ottawa is prioritizing trade relations with India over the safety and security of Canadian citizens. The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed disappointment with the recent visit to Canada by India’s national security advisor, Ajit Doval, whom they described as the “architect of India’s foreign espionage and transnational repression operations.”

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree defended the government’s engagement with Indian security officials, stating that “it’s important that we have constructive dialogue around safety and security.” However, critics argue that such dialogue should be contingent on accountability for alleged Indian involvement in criminal activity on Canadian soil.

The CBSA and RCMP did not respond to requests for comment regarding the increase in investigations and the challenges posed by the alleged links between the extortion gangs and the Indian government. The situation remains fluid, with Canadian authorities continuing to investigate the extent of the threat and navigate the complex geopolitical implications.