Just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Canada for the G7 Summit, Peel Regional Police (PRP) announced the arrest of 18 individuals—mostly of Indian descent—in connection with a violent gang that targeted members of the South Asian community in Ontario.

Dubbed “Operation Outsource”, the investigation was launched in 2023 following a surge in extortion cases and violent attacks against South Asian business owners. PRP Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the criminal network’s actions included “drive-by shootings, arsons, and a variety of acts of violence” that spread fear and insecurity in the community.

Seventeen of the 18 individuals arrested are of Indian descent. Collectively, they face 97 criminal charges. Police seized more than $4.2 million worth of property, including firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests, tasers, crossbows, and stolen vehicles.

The PRP said that in recent years, extortion attempts have surged in the Peel Region, often involving threats, physical violence, and demands for money. The perpetrators primarily targeted South Asian business owners.

The investigation revealed the gang operated in two arms—one focusing on extortion and violence, and another embedded in the towing industry. The towing operations were reportedly involved in insurance fraud, staged collisions, and violent enforcement tactics.

The announcement is particularly significant as it challenges previous narratives from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration, which sought to connect some of the shootings to Indian officials. The police disclosure directly attributes the violence to local organized crime.

The arrests come at a sensitive time, with PM Modi’s visit being seen as a fresh opportunity to reset strained India–Canada relations. The crackdown could ease tensions by addressing a long-standing security concern within the Indo-Canadian community.