Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich is urgently warning that extortion in Brampton and Mississauga is rapidly escalating and now threatens more than just the South Asian community. Speaking at a press conference on February 19, Milinovich confirmed that criminal groups are aggressively targeting a growing range of residents and businesses for monetary gain, signalling a surge in risk across the region.
“There are absolutely other communities,” Milinovich stated, stressing that extortion is quickly becoming a dangerous, widespread crisis demanding immediate attention and action.
In 2025, Peel Police recorded 470 extortion incidents in Brampton and Mississauga. Out of these, 190 involved businesses, and 29 included violent acts such as shootings or arson. While a significant portion of business-related incidents involved the South Asian community, Milinovich stressed that the threat is expanding to other groups as well.
It is important to note that Caledon, although part of Peel Region, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and therefore, its data is not included in these figures.
Milinovich described extortion as one of the most serious public safety threats in the region. Families are often targeted, and the crime thrives on fear. Many violent incidents have been captured on video and circulated widely on social media, amplifying anxiety across communities.
“It represents hundreds of people who are living in fear and forced to live with the experiences that they had,” he said. This fear underscores the urgency of police intervention to protect residents and maintain safety.
Peel Police have launched what Milinovich described as “an all-out offensive” to combat extortion. The department is not only focusing on enforcement but also prioritizing prevention and community reassurance. Currently, 40 full-time investigators are working tirelessly to investigate these crimes and hold offenders accountable.
In addition to traditional investigative methods, the federal FINTRAC program, recently highlighted by Minister François-Philippe Champagne, is an important tool for tracking financial transactions linked to criminal activity. Milinovich also called for reforms to allow police faster access to essential information and for tougher penalties, including bail reform, to keep convicted offenders from returning to the streets prematurely.
Milinovich noted that extortion is not confined to Peel Region but represents a national issue affecting communities across Canada. The motivation behind these crimes is largely financial, but the human impact—stress, fear, and disrupted lives—is significant.
Peel Police continue to emphasize community safety, proactive policing, and collaboration with other agencies to prevent further incidents and reduce the threat posed by organized extortion networks.
Copyright © 2024 Best In Mississauga