111 People Deported, 188 Removal Orders Issued
Action Intensifies Across Canada, Including Greater Toronto, Foreign Nationals Allegedly Linked to Extortion and Criminal Activities Come Under CBSA Scrutiny
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
A major federal crackdown is underway in Canada to protect South Asian communities from extortion, threats and violence. As part of the operation, 111 individuals have been deported from Canada, while 188 removal orders have been issued against foreign nationals linked to extortion-related cases.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), under the operation that began last August, the individuals deported included 58 cases from the Pacific Region, 30 from the Prairies and 23 from the Greater Toronto Area.
The Canada Border Services Agency allocated additional resources in August 2025 to identify immigration and refugee cases allegedly connected to extortion incidents in Western Canada. In November 2025, the scope of the operation was expanded to Ontario.
The agency says the purpose of the investigations is to determine whether foreign nationals involved in extortion or violence have violated Canada’s immigration and refugee laws.
According to the CBSA, action is being taken under immigration law against foreign nationals with known links to organized crime or other criminal activities. The Canada Border Services Agency says that, so far, 188 removal orders have been issued, including 91 from British Columbia, 50 from the Greater Toronto Area and 47 from the Prairies.
According to officials, four individuals were recently deported for violations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act after evidence emerged involving weapons-related activities, serious offences and ongoing criminal activity.
The name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has also continued to emerge in connection with extortion and threats targeting South Asian communities in Canada. The federal government designated the group as a terrorist entity in September 2025.
According to Public Safety Canada, the group has been accused of creating fear in communities where it operates through extortion and threats, and has also been linked to allegations involving various crimes, including murder, shootings and arson.
The British Columbia city of Surrey is also among the areas severely affected by the crisis. According to police, 139 extortion incidents have been reported there so far this year, along with 21 shootings and two arson incidents.
The Canada Border Services Agency, however, has not disclosed the countries of origin of the individuals who have been deported.
It is important to clarify that this action is not directed against South Asian communities, but against foreign nationals allegedly connected to criminal activities under Canada’s immigration laws. According to the CBSA, the cases draw on information provided by law-enforcement agencies, government agencies, the CBSA’s own investigations, and members of the public.
