Another 5 arrests tied to violent extortions in Mississauga and Brampton

Five accused extortionists have been arrested following a rash of shootings, threats and attacks in Mississauga and Brampton going back to last year.

The violent extortions have been ongoing since December with Peel Regional Police saying there have been at least 29 incidents across Mississauga and Brampton.

Investigators say the shakedowns would see scammers contact victims through phone or text making threats for protection money. In some cases – like a shooting at a Brampton business last year – the demands have escalated to violence.

More than 70 similar cases have been reported across three provinces with South Asian businesses and community members being targeted, and the RCMP says the attacks and threats could be tied to organized crime groups.

In February Peel police’s new Extortion Investigative Task Force announced five arrests, and investigators now say Peel’s Criminal Investigations Bureau has arrested five men in connection to the extortions.

The charges include forcible confinement, extortion, criminal harassment and assault.

Dupinderdeep Cheema, 36, of Brampton, has been charged with criminal harassment, fail to comply, conspiracy to commit indictable offence, and extortion.

Beant Dhillon, a 51, of Brampton, was charged with assault forcible confinement, extortion, possession of property obtained by crime, and
utter threats.

Arundeep Thind, a 39, of no fixed address, was charged with assault, forcible confinement, and extortion.

Mustapha Alawiye, 32, and Kymani Hassakourinas, 32, both of Mississauga, were both charged with one count each of criminal harassment.

While police say the threats can be intimidating, investigators are urging any potential victims not to agree to the extortionist’s terms and contact local police immediately.

The Mounties are also urging anyone with any information about these crimes or any victims of an extortion-related offence to please contact investigators.

Anyone with information or who is a victim of an extortion related offence is asked to contact the Extortion Investigative Task Force by calling 1-866-966-0616 or email [email protected]. You can also contact Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.