Canada Police Bust ISI-Backed Criminal Network Targeting South Asian Businessmen, 17 Arrested

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 22:23 IST

Security officials said these networks increasingly operate through a combination of ideological extremism and organised crime, including extortion, and arms trafficking.

Canadian authorities have dismantled an alleged organised criminal network, backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), targeting South Asian business owners through intimidation, extortion and violence, in what officials described as a breakthrough against rising gang activity in parts of Ontario.

According to top intelligence sources, Peel Regional Police carried out an operation named “Project Outsource" that led to the arrest of 17 to 18 individuals, most of them from Brampton. Sources said 16 of those arrested are of South Asian origin and face nearly 97 to 106 criminal charges collectively.

Extortion Network Allegedly Targeted South Asian Business Owners

The charges reportedly include extortion, participation in a criminal organisation, firearms offences, fraud and staged vehicle collisions. Investigators believe the network targeted immigrant entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors such as trucking, retail and restaurants, through threats, protection demands, property damage and business disruption.

Officials described the operation as a significant step toward protecting vulnerable business communities that have increasingly come under pressure from organised extortion rackets.

Khalistani-Linked Groups Tied To Organised Crime

Intelligence inputs further alleged that some organised criminal groups with Khalistani affiliations have been linked to drug smuggling and money laundering activities used to finance separatist operations and overseas protests. Sources also claimed that ISI has allegedly backed proxy criminal and extremist networks to influence diaspora politics and destabilise India.

Security officials said these networks increasingly operate through a combination of ideological extremism and organised crime, including extortion, arms trafficking and contract killings, creating what they termed a “hybrid threat".

Authorities have also noted a rise in gang-related violence in Canadian cities such as Brampton and Surrey, both of which have significant South Asian populations. Law enforcement agencies are continuing investigations into the broader network and its alleged international links.

Canadian police have not yet publicly confirmed all intelligence-related claims surrounding foreign involvement, but officials said the crackdown reflects growing concern over organised criminal activity targeting diaspora communities.

News world Canada Police Bust ISI-Backed Criminal Network Targeting South Asian Businessmen, 17 Arrested

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