Seventeen male suspects, many of whom came to Canada from India on student visas and temporary work permits, have been criminally charged following a sweeping investigation into violent extortion rings targeting the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area, police say. Peel Regional Police announced the arrests on Monday, following a joint investigation involving provincial, federal and U.S. authorities that began in December, 2025. Investigators said several of the men arrested in recent weeks are part of a group known as the For Brothers gang. Police have laid more than 100 charges, including 75 firearm offences, 11 extortion-related charges and two arson charges. Officials told reporters that extortion schemes targeting the South Asian community are too prevalent in Canada – and even causing some immigrant entrepreneurs to consider leaving the country. Authorities said they are eyeing other potential busts and will seek to curb extortion by moving to deport perpetrators. Charging documents filed in court say that 12 of the 17 arrested suspects were living in Brampton, a large suburb north of Toronto. Six of the people charged in the investigation may face immigration action, including possible removal from the country after their criminal cases are finished, said Canada Border Services Agency president Erin O’Gorman #Brampton #Ontario #Crime