The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has expanded its nationwide efforts to combat extortion and organized crime, launching hundreds of investigations and removing individuals found to be involved in serious criminal activity. As criminal networks continue to evolve, the agency is working in close coordination with law enforcement partners, including the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), British Columbia’s Extortion Task Force, and local police services across Ontario and other regions.
Since August 2025, when the CBSA began formally tracking immigration enforcement cases linked to extortion, and with expansion into the Greater Toronto Area in November 2025, the agency has opened 372 investigations. As of March 12, 2026, authorities have issued 70 removal orders on various grounds of inadmissibility and have successfully enforced 35 removals from Canada. These actions reflect a growing focus on identifying individuals connected to organized crime, including extortion, drug trafficking, arson and firearm-related offences, and ensuring that those who pose a threat to public safety are not allowed to remain in the country.
Recent cases underscore the seriousness of the enforcement efforts. Arshdeep Singh, who entered Canada on a study permit in 2022, was found inadmissible for his involvement in a criminal organization linked to multiple serious offences. Following a ruling by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), a deportation order was issued and he was removed from Canada under escort on January 19, 2026. Similarly, Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu, who entered Canada as a temporary resident in 2016, was also found inadmissible for organized criminality and was removed from the country on February 3, 2026. Both individuals were held in immigration detention as they were considered a danger to the public and a flight risk.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that extortion and organized crime have no place in Canada and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting communities through strong and coordinated enforcement measures. CBSA President Erin O’Gorman emphasized that extortion empowers criminal networks and harms vulnerable individuals, adding that the agency is using all available tools to counter these threats, including enhanced removal capacity and strengthened partnerships with police.
The CBSA continues to investigate individuals suspected of involvement in extortion-related activities and encourages the public to report information through its Border Watch Line. These intensified efforts are expected to further strengthen public safety, particularly in major urban centres such as the Greater Toronto Area, by ensuring that individuals engaged in organized criminal activity are identified, investigated and removed in accordance with Canadian law.