Photo credit: Toronto Today
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Thursday said officials have opened nearly 200 immigration investigations in the Greater Toronto Area that may have potential ties to extortion.
Toronto Today reports that the investigation began in August 2025 and was focused on the Pacific and Prairie regions. The effort expanded to the GTA in November 2025.
Across Canada, CBSA has opened 484 immigration investigations with potential links to extortion as of June 18. One hundred and thirty-nine removal orders have been issued on various inadmissibility grounds and are in the process of being enforced, and 81 individuals have already been removed from Canada.
Just in the GTA, 196 immigration investigations have been opened, 33 removal orders have been issued and 17 individuals have been removed from the country.
“Extortion and organized crime pose serious threats to Canadian communities and businesses,” the agency wrote in a press release. “Protecting the safety and well-being of Canadians requires constant vigilance in the face of these evolving threats.”
Minister of Public Safety of Canada Gary Anandasangaree said the government is working hard to stay ahead of increasingly complex international criminal threats like extortion.
“We continue to take strong action by strengthening enforcement, investing in our partners, and ensuring that those who exploit or endanger others are held accountable. This includes removing criminals and individuals who have no legal right to remain here,” he said in a statement.
CBSA said it is working with its partners and joint task force across Canada to “crack down on individuals involved in organized crime, including those linked to extortion-related activities.”
The cases investigated by CBSA have been referred to the agency by police who suspect violations of the Immigrant and Refugee Protection Act.
