Canada has deported three foreign nationals tied to a wave of extortion, shootings, and intimidation targeting Indian-origin Punjabi business owners across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed the removals on November 7 — the first under the newly formed 40-member BC Extortion Task Force, set up earlier this year to counter transnational organised crime networks operating in the province.
Along with the deportations, the CBSA has launched immigration investigations against 78 foreign nationals suspected of being inadmissible to Canada.
The multi-agency task force brings together the CBSA, RCMP, Abbotsford Police, CFSEU-BC, Delta Police, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Surrey Police Service and the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit. Federal support comes from the RCMP’s National Coordination and Support Team (NCST), which is coordinating investigations in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
In a statement, the CBSA said it is executing search warrants, probing suspects under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and sharing intelligence with partner agencies.
“To date, the CBSA has initiated investigations into 78 foreign nationals who may be inadmissible, and has removed from Canada three individuals related to these investigations,” the agency said.
Nina Patel, Regional Director General for the Pacific Region, said the latest removals underline the importance of intelligence-led enforcement:
“We will pursue the swift removal of individuals who have abused our immigration system and who compromise the safety of our communities.”
Extortion has escalated sharply in Surrey, where police have recorded 65 cases this year — including 35 involving gunfire.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree praised the CBSA’s work:
“They are playing an active role in helping protect our borders and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.”
B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said offenders will face criminal charges — and deportation if they are not Canadian citizens.
“Those who commit violent extortion that terrorizes our communities will be arrested, charged, and, as we’ve seen today, removed from Canada.”
Last year alone, the CBSA opened 184 criminal investigations under IRPA, targeting organised crime, human smuggling, immigration fraud, terrorism, and customs violations.
Officials say the latest removals mark a major step in dismantling organised extortion networks targeting Punjabi businesses in the province.
Also Read: Two Borders, Similar Struggle: Deportation Stories Expose Human Cost Of Immigration https://www.vibesofindia.com/two-borders-similar-struggle-deportation-stories-expose-human-cost-of-immigration/
