Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have launched a major investigation into a series of extortion attempts plaguing communities in Caledon and Dufferin County. Authorities confirm they are probing more than 45 separate cases that follow a similar pattern, with incidents dating from late 2023 to the present.
A Pattern of Threats and Violence
The extortion scheme involves perpetrators contacting victims, primarily by phone or text message, and demanding large sums of money. The callers often demonstrate specific knowledge of the individual's home or workplace, making the threats feel particularly credible and terrifying to those targeted.
Police have noted a disturbing trend linking these threats to actual violence. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the OPP has investigated numerous weapons-related incidents where properties in the same areas sustained damage from gunfire. Investigators believe these shootings are directly connected to the extortion attempts, serving as a violent escalation when demands are not met.
In one tragic instance highlighted by police, a shooting at a Caledon home on November 20, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two people. A third victim from that incident remains hospitalized. The OPP has released a photo of a suspect vehicle connected to this fatal event.
Community-Specific Targeting
A key finding of the investigation points to the specific targeting of a demographic group. The OPP states that the offences appear to be aimed at members of the South-Asian community in Caledon and Dufferin County. This pattern has heightened concerns within these communities and prompted police to increase outreach efforts.
Investigators are urging anyone who has received a threatening call or message demanding money to report it to police immediately. They emphasize that no piece of information is too small and that community cooperation is vital to stopping the cycle of threats and violence.
How to Report and Contact Police
The OPP has provided specific channels for tips and reports related to this crime spree. Individuals with information are asked to contact the Caledon OPP directly at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Police are also reviewing evidence from recent, separate criminal investigations in Southern Ontario that may share connections to organized crime. In a related matter, Hamilton Police, with assistance from Peel Regional Police, recently laid multiple charges against a Brampton man as part of Project Long Haul, an investigation into organized transport truck thefts exceeding $1 million in value. While distinct, this case underscores the broader regional challenge of coordinated criminal activity.
The OPP's public appeal underscores the seriousness with which they are treating the extortion cases and the linked violence. The investigation remains active and ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend those responsible for terrorizing local residents.
