CBSA issues dozens of removal orders in GTA amid extortion-related immigration investigations

The Canada Border Services Agency says it has issued removal orders against dozens of people in the Greater Toronto Area following immigration investigations into individuals with possible links to extortion-related activities.

According to the CBSA, the investigations began in August last year in the Pacific and Prairie regions and were expanded to the Greater Toronto Area in November. The agency said the initiative was carried out with support from local police services, intelligence agencies and public tips.

The CBSA said nearly 200 immigration investigations were launched in the Toronto area alone. Of those cases, 33 people received removal orders and 17 had been deported as of November 2025.

Outside the GTA, the agency said nearly 300 additional investigations were opened across Canada. In the Pacific region, 69 removal orders were issued and 46 people were deported following investigations into 150 cases. In the Prairie region, 37 removal orders were issued in 138 cases, with 18 people deported.

The investigations come amid broader efforts by law enforcement agencies to address extortion targeting the South Asian business community. In May, Peel Regional Police announced the arrest of 17 alleged members of an extortion network that police said was responsible for nearly half of the region's shooting incidents.