Mississauga, ON — The federal government has announced a significant new strategy aimed at cracking down on organized criminal networks that use intimidation, threats, and financial coercion to target families and small businesses across Canada.
The announcement was made alongside Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who outlined enhanced measures designed to strengthen Canada’s response to extortion and financial crime. The initiative places a strong emphasis on tracking and disrupting the financial operations that sustain criminal organizations.
At the centre of the new approach is the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), which will take a more proactive role in combating extortion by prioritizing financial intelligence and strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and financial institutions.
Under the new plan, the government will:
- Prioritize financial intelligence specifically focused on extortion-related activity
- Launch a new Countering Extortion Partnership with banks, credit unions, virtual asset providers, and law enforcement agencies
- Assign dedicated financial intelligence experts to assist police in high-impact regions
- Provide clearer guidance to financial institutions to detect and report suspicious transactions
- Publish intelligence reports explaining how criminals move and conceal extortion proceeds
Minister Champagne emphasized that extortion harms families, entrepreneurs, and entire communities. He stated that following the money trail is one of the most effective ways to dismantle organized criminal networks and protect Canadians.
Local Leaders Welcome Action
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the federal measures, describing extortion as a serious threat to community safety and economic stability.
“Extortion is not just a financial crime — it creates fear in our neighbourhoods and undermines the confidence of hardworking business owners,” Mayor Brown said. “We need strong collaboration between all levels of government to ensure residents and entrepreneurs feel safe.”
Brown noted that Brampton has experienced a troubling rise in extortion incidents in recent years, particularly targeting small business owners. He expressed hope that enhanced federal resources and intelligence coordination will provide meaningful support to local policing efforts.
Member of Parliament Amandeep Sodhi, representing Brampton Centre, praised the government’s proactive approach and highlighted the importance of responding to concerns raised by residents and local law enforcement.
“Our community has made it clear that safety is a top priority,” Sodhi said. “These measures strengthen our ability to disrupt organized criminal networks and support law enforcement in protecting families and businesses.”
Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State for Combatting Crime, described the initiative as a crucial step in safeguarding communities.
“Extortion threatens the very fabric of safe and secure communities,” Sahota stated. “Combatting organized crime must be a united effort. By strengthening financial intelligence and working closely with local partners, we are targeting criminal networks at their source.”
Building on Broader Investments
The new strategy builds on substantial federal investments in strengthening the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and advancing the creation of a Canada Financial Crimes Agency. The agency is expected to enhance coordination and enforcement against complex financial crimes, including money laundering and organized criminal activity.
Officials say modern extortion networks often operate across provinces and even international borders, using digital platforms and complex financial systems to hide illicit funds. By focusing on financial disruption, the government aims to make extortion less profitable and more prosecutable.
A Commitment to Safer Communities
In Brampton and across Canada, community leaders agree that no one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood or workplace. The coordinated strategy — combining financial intelligence, law enforcement collaboration, and national oversight — is designed to restore confidence and protect local businesses from intimidation and criminal threats.
As the measures roll out, federal, provincial, and municipal partners say they will continue working together to ensure organized crime networks are held accountable and communities remain strong and secure.