Victims of extortion in the Peel Region are so terrified of criminals operating from India that they only agree to speak with their faces and voices altered to remain unrecognizable. Even before gunfire erupts at their homes, the terror begins with threatening phone calls demanding payment under the threat of a bullet-riddled residence while they sleep.
Living in Fear
One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the standard practice: first a call, then shots fired at the house, followed by another call to intimidate. “I don’t think I moved to this country to be threatened and live in fear,” he said. His family had to duck for cover as bullets rained in from a passing car. He showed bullet holes but refused to have images published, fearing the criminals would recognize their work and retaliate.
Even after Peel Regional Police announced 17 arrests on Monday, the victim received another extortion call. For a man who came to Canada seeking the Canadian dream, the nightmare persists. “Nothing has changed yet. Overall, people are still dealing with the same problems,” he said, predicting more shootings across the GTA and Canada.
Systemic Issues
Twelve of the accused are already out on bail. The victim’s family feels “very threatened now. You sleep with a lot of fear at night.” He worries about safety on the road, at work, and for his children at school. “It’s engulfing people with so much fear that they’re having a lot of sleepless nights.”
Community Impact
He agreed to be interviewed to help police stop the crime wave, but admitted, “we are scared.” A successful Canadian citizen and business owner who employs many, he says, “every second businessman across Canada of South Asian descent” fears being targeted. “This is going to be a Canadian problem sooner or later,” he warned, as criminals learn from each other.
Police Response
Peel Regional Police Det.-Sgt. Brian Lorette stated, “There are repeat victims and the cases are still being investigated. We do anticipate more arrests and charges in the near future.” The victim urged immediate deportation for those without status: “Why should we put money and resources on those people?”
The victim criticized Canada’s borders and laws, calling the country “a criminal vacation spot” where “it’s the best place to do crime and walk away free again.” He supports new laws, like Bill C-22, to give police faster access to electronic devices, but also believes citizens should be able to defend themselves with firearms and that more jails are needed.
Call for Action
“If people don’t feel safe in the community, a lot of the workforce … is going to leave Canada,” he said, noting reverse immigration is already happening. “We are losing a lot of good (Canadian) people.” All thanks to criminals who are not even Canadian.
