BRAMPTON — A Brampton man and his family have been forced to flee their home after receiving a video showing shots being fired at their residence, followed by an extortion demand for $500,000 and explicit threats to their lives.
The incident occurred last weekend at a home near Sandalwood Parkway and Creditview Road, while the homeowner, his wife and their young child were inside the house. A video, believed to have been recorded by an accomplice sitting in a vehicle, shows a suspect firing multiple gunshots at the home. The video was later sent directly to the homeowner.
According to the victim, the suspects contacted him after sending the footage and demanded half a million dollars within one day, threatening to kill his family if the demand was not met. The homeowner stated that he told the suspects he did not have the money.
Security camera footage from a neighbouring home captured the shooting, during which at least eight shots were fired. Several bullets struck vehicles parked in the driveway as well as the garage door.
Fearing for their safety, the family has left the residence and does not plan to return. The homeowner, who immigrated to Canada from India three years ago, operates an immigration and education consulting business and said he has no idea why he was targeted.
Peel Regional Police confirmed that the incident is being investigated by the Extortion Investigations Task Force. No suspect descriptions have been released at this time.
The task force was established in 2024 in response to a sharp rise in violent extortion cases across Peel Region, many of which have targeted members of the South Asian business community. Police data indicates more than 400 extortion cases were reported last year.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has previously raised concerns about the growing threat of extortion and transnational organized crime, calling on the federal government for additional support. He has warned that without stronger intervention, communities like Brampton remain vulnerable to organized criminal networks that use intimidation, digital platforms and violence to silence victims.
The investigation remains ongoing.