Bandhumaan Sekhon, a 27-year-old from British Columbia, is one of the 5 South Asians recently arrested by Ontario police in connection to recent occurring in Brampton and Mississauga, targeting the South Asian business community.
Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) have made multiple arrests and seized four firearms The police said the arrests are part of an investigation related to extortions across Canada. “These threats have all included demands for large sums of money under the threat of violence.”
Sekhon was charged with conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence and unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition. He was held in custody for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton and has since been released with court-imposed conditions.
Harmanjit Singh, a 25-year-old from Brampton; Tejinder Tatla, a 44-year-old from Brampton, Rukhsar Achakzai, a 21-year-old from Brampton; and Dinesh Kumar, a 24-year-old from Hamilton are others arrested and charged in connection to extortion incidents.
The police said, “These incidents have included damage to property, threats of violence, and firearm-related offences. Victims of these incidents are often contacted through social media platforms, such as Whatsapp and Facebook, which allow online chat groups.”
“In late 2023 Peel region experienced a disturbing trend where business owners became the victim of extortion attempts for large sums of money under the threat of violence. These incidents deeply impacted victims and their families and were felt throughout our community and communities right across this country. In response Peele Regional Police took immediate steps to announce the mobilization of what we call an extortion investigative task force also known as the EITF. This team is comprised of specialized members of our Police Service that have been tasked to protect our community prevent further violence and hold those responsible accountable. To date, the EITF has investigated over 60 incidents, made 21 arrests, and laid 154 criminal charges. These investigations have also led to the seizure of 20 firearms, over 11kg of methamphetamines, over $10,000 in proceeds of crime, and the recovery of 6 stolen vehicles,” said Peel Region Police chief Nishan Duraiappah.
The police said they continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across Canada to investigate these incidents. Anyone who receives a demand for money under the threat of violence is urged not to make any form of payment and to call the police immediately. These incidents can be reported to the Peel Regional Police EITF at 1-866-966-0616.
