Peel police launch hotline amid ‘disturbing trend’ in extortion attempts

Peel Regional Police have launched a new hotline and task force to address a “disturbing trend” in extortion attempts primarily targeting South Asian businesses.

Investigators say that victims have reported being contacted through a variety of social media platforms with demands for money being made under threats of violence, which have occurred in some incidents.

There are 16 incidents currently under investigation in the region.

On Saturday, Peel police announced the introduction of a dedicated Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) and associated hotline that will work alongside community members and other law-enforcement agencies in these continued investigations.

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The team is set to be composed of investigative and intelligence units supported by the region’s tactical teams.

Members of the public are asked to immediately contact police if they, their business, or anyone they know is subjected to threats of violence to extort money or any other valuables.

Police say suspects are using social media platforms to contact victims in these incidents and often know the victim’s name, phone number, address and business information.

Anyone who may be contacted is advised to not make any form of payment and contact police immediately.

Those with information are asked to contact the Extortion Investigative Task Force at 1-866-966-0616 or taskforce@peelpolice.ca.

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