What Led to the Arrest of 18 Individuals Before PM Modi's Visit to Canada?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown just hours before PM Modi's arrival, the Peel Regional Police apprehended 18 individuals from a violent gang. This gang, primarily composed of people of Indian descent, has been linked to a series of violent acts, instilling fear within their own community. Discover how this operation unfolded and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- 18 individuals arrested in a police operation targeting violent gang activities.
- The gang instilled fear and insecurity within their community.
- Operation Outsource was initiated due to a rise in extortion and violence.
- Authorities recovered property worth over $4.2 million.
- The police have established a task force to combat ongoing issues.
Toronto, June 17 (NationPress) Just hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada, law enforcement officials have revealed the apprehension of 18 individuals linked to a violent gang composed predominantly of individuals of Indian descent, which has generated “fear and insecurity” among their own community members, who were primarily targeted.
Peel Regional Police (PRP) Chief Nishan Duraiappah stated that the gang's operations escalated to include “drive-by shootings, arson, and various violent acts.”
The arrests were made during “Operation Outsource,” initiated last year in response to a “significant number” of extortion cases and violent incidents, as reported by PRP, which oversees three suburbs of Toronto.
Among those detained, all but one are of Indian descent.
The individuals face a total of 97 charges, and authorities have recovered assets valued at over $4.2 million, including firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests, crossbows, tasers, and stolen vehicles.
According to police, “Peel Region has witnessed a notable surge in violent extortion attempts targeting South Asian business owners,” involving demands for large sums of money, threats for non-payment, and violent acts, including drive-by shootings.
In light of these events, PRP established the Extortion Investigation Task Force in December 2023.
A Joint Task Force investigation revealed that “the criminal network functioned with two distinct yet interconnected elements: one focused on extortion and violence, and the other associated with the towing industry,” PRP stated.
Law enforcement indicated that the gang was also allegedly involved in “insurance fraud by staging vehicle accidents” and exerting control over local towing operations through threats, assaults, and firearms.
The police acknowledgment that the gang was allegedly linked to drive-by shootings is crucial, given that several such incidents have occurred on both coasts of Canada, with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration attempting to attribute some of them to Indian officials.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with a focus on law enforcement efforts to restore safety and prevent further violence. The NationPress stands committed to delivering unbiased coverage that prioritizes community well-being and public safety.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the police operation?
The operation, named 'Operation Outsource,' was initiated in response to a rise in extortion attempts and violent crimes in the Peel Region.
How many individuals were arrested?
A total of 18 individuals were arrested during the operation.
What types of crimes were the gang involved in?
The gang was involved in various violent acts, including drive-by shootings, arson, and extortion.
What measures are being taken to address these issues?
The Peel Regional Police have established the Extortion Investigation Task Force to tackle the rising violence and extortion incidents.
What is the significance of these arrests?
These arrests are crucial for restoring safety and security within the community and addressing the rise in violent crime.
