The Canada Border Services Agency says nearly 200 immigration investigations have been opened in the Greater Toronto Area as federal officials intensify enforcement against people with possible links to extortion and organized crime.
The agency said 33 removal orders have been issued in the GTA since enhanced tracking of extortion-related immigration files was expanded to the region in November 2025. As of that month, 17 people from the GTA had been removed from Canada.
The CBSA said the cases are identified through police cooperation, partner-agency information, public reporting and its own investigations.
“These cases come to light through coordinated efforts with law enforcement, input from partner agencies, public information, and CBSA-led investigations,” the release read.
Public Safety Minister Says Canada Taking Stronger Action
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Ottawa is trying to respond to extortion threats that increasingly cross borders and affect local communities.
“Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. The Government of Canada is working hard to stay ahead of increasingly complex international criminal threats like extortion,” Anandasangaree said in a written statement.
“We continue to take strong action by strengthening enforcement, investing in our partners, and ensuring that those who exploit or endanger others are held accountable. This includes removing criminals and individuals who have no legal right to remain here.”
The CBSA said the enhanced tracking approach began in August 2025 in the Pacific and Prairie regions before expanding to the GTA three months later.
Nearly 300 Cases Opened Outside GTA
Outside the GTA, the agency said nearly 300 immigration investigations have been opened.
In the Pacific region, the CBSA reported 150 cases, 69 removal orders and 46 removals. In the Prairie region, officials opened 138 investigations, issued 37 removal orders and removed 18 people from the country.
“Extortion and organized crime pose serious threats to Canadian communities and businesses,” the news release read.
“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), working closely with its partners, continues to crack down on individuals involved in organized crime, including those linked to extortion-related activities.”
The federal update follows growing concern from GTA police services about extortion attempts. In May, Peel police announced 17 arrests after a series of violent extortion incidents that largely targeted the South Asian business community.
Police said at the time the group was believed to be connected to about 50 per cent of shots fired in Peel Region so far this year.
The CBSA said it will continue working with law enforcement partners as extortion-related immigration investigations advance across the country.
