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Ottawa Citizen
3 hours ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Violent extortion gang linked to Ontario towing turf war; many were on judicial release for other charges when arrested
Another large police probe in southern Ontario was linked to the tow truck industry, this time a large criminal network accused of extortion, fraud, and violence. Article content Peel Regional Police said more than $4.2 million in assets were seized and 18 people were arrested, including two men alleged to be the bosses behind a network involved in two streams of criminality: one dedicated to extortion and violence, and the other to systematic fraud through staged car collisions rooted in the towing industry. Article content Article content Article content Of the 18 charged, almost half were already on a form of judicial release for previous charges at the time of their arrest. Article content Article content Since their most recent arrest, three of the 18 were quickly released with an order to attend court at a later date. Of the 15 who were held in police custody pending a court appearance, seven have had that hearing, where all but one was released on bail. The remainder await a court hearing. Article content In 2023 a wave of violent extortions — demands for large sums of money accompanied by threats of violence — targeted members of the South Asian business community in Peel, west and northwest of Toronto encompassing the cities of Mississauga and Brampton. Article content 'These threats escalated into a variety of different offences including drive-by shootings, arson, a variety of acts of violence that spread fear and insecurity, not just into our local community but it gripped international news,' said Peel's Chief of Police Nishan Duraiappah. Article content Article content Article content Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, said the extortions and violence terrified his community. Article content Article content 'Everyone was scared. They heard about these incidents and there was a real concern that we were only hearing the tip of the iceberg, that there's more and more of these very dangerous extortions happening.' Article content The police response led to a task force formed last summer that led to a large probe named Project Outsource. Article content The investigation pointed to two Brampton men who are now under arrested. Investigators allege Inderjit Dhami, 38, and Paritosh Chopra, 32, were at the top of the criminal organization's hierarchy. Article content 'They are charged with instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization,' said Peel's Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich. 'What that means is they were in charge of this organization and providing direction to others that were a part of it,' he alleged. 'This was a crime group who attempted to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from our community with threats and also engaged in tow industry related violence and crimes like fraud.'
Edmonton Journal
3 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
Violent extortion gang linked to Ontario towing turf war; many were on judicial release for other charges when arrested
'These threats escalated into a variety of different offences including drive-by shootings, arson, a variety of acts of violence that spread fear and insecurity' Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah speaks about Project Outsource, an investigation that targeted the tow truck industry in Brampton and Mississauga, Monday June 16, 2025. In total 18 people were arrested with 97 charges. Photo by Jack Boland/Postmedia Another large police probe in southern Ontario was linked to the tow truck industry, this time a large criminal network accused of extortion, fraud, and violence. Peel Regional Police said more than $4.2 million in assets were seized and 18 people were arrested, including two men alleged to be the bosses behind a network involved in two streams of criminality: one dedicated to extortion and violence, and the other to systematic fraud through staged car collisions rooted in the towing industry. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Of the 18 charged, almost half were already on a form of judicial release for previous charges at the time of their arrest. Since their most recent arrest, three of the 18 were quickly released with an order to attend court at a later date. Of the 15 who were held in police custody pending a court appearance, seven have had that hearing, where all but one was released on bail. The remainder await a court hearing. In 2023 a wave of violent extortions — demands for large sums of money accompanied by threats of violence — targeted members of the South Asian business community in Peel, west and northwest of Toronto encompassing the cities of Mississauga and Brampton. 'These threats escalated into a variety of different offences including drive-by shootings, arson, a variety of acts of violence that spread fear and insecurity, not just into our local community but it gripped international news,' said Peel's Chief of Police Nishan Duraiappah. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Police in Peel Region released phots of the alleged leaders and underlings of a violent crime network behind extortions targeting the South Asian community and frauds linked to the tow truck industry. Photo by Peel Regional Police Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, said the extortions and violence terrified his community. 'Everyone was scared. They heard about these incidents and there was a real concern that we were only hearing the tip of the iceberg, that there's more and more of these very dangerous extortions happening.' The police response led to a task force formed last summer that led to a large probe named Project Outsource. The investigation pointed to two Brampton men who are now under arrested. Investigators allege Inderjit Dhami, 38, and Paritosh Chopra, 32, were at the top of the criminal organization's hierarchy. 'They are charged with instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization,' said Peel's Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich. 'What that means is they were in charge of this organization and providing direction to others that were a part of it,' he alleged. 'This was a crime group who attempted to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from our community with threats and also engaged in tow industry related violence and crimes like fraud.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A police parking lot packed with items seized during the investigation, raids and arrests — 18 tow trucks, six guns, a crossbow, 586 rounds of ammunition, cash, a stun gun, baseball bats and a ballistic vest with a 'POLICE' logo on it — suggested the violence or potential violence involved. 'We have substantial evidence linking the group to dozens of staged accidents and potentially costing insurance companies between $80,000 and $100,000 for each staged accident. In total those fraudulent claims exceed a million dollars for this particular investigationm' Milinovich said. 'To our community members, if you receive a demand for money under violence do not pay. Call the police immediately. We are committed to protecting your identity and your safety,' he said. Some of the weapons seized during Project Outsource on display. Photo by Jack Boland/Postmedia Acting Detective Sergeant Brian Lorette, the primary investigator in Project Outsource, said the 18 tow trucks seized, valued at $2.8 million, were found to be associated with two towing companies, operating under the names Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Four personal vehicles, valued at $840,000, were seized and five stolen vehicles recovered. Lorette said the investigation is still ongoing, and he anticipates further arrests and charges. The guns are being examined both to trace their source and also for potential use in other crimes. One gun has already been linked to a shooting. A ballistic vest bearing a police logo was seized from one of the accused, he said. Police are investigating its authenticity and whether it came from a police service. All but one of the accused is a male living in Brampton. One woman was arrested, who lived in King City, north of Toronto. Like their victims, almost all of those arrested are from the South Asian community. The announcement was used by federal and provincial politicians to promote their crime reduction policies and promises. Ruby Sahota, federal secretary of state of combating crime in Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet, was bullish on the Liberal's crackdown. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This is not just an investigation, it's a turning point,' she said, calling the Peel announcement 'a warning to organized crime that we will not stop here. Our new government is going to provide law enforcement with even more tools to take down organized crime. 'When law enforcement does great work like they have today through Project Outsource, we need to make sure that it's met with a bail and sentencing system that fits the nature of these crimes.' Investigators allege Paritosh Chopra, 32, and Inderjit Dhami, 38, were at the top of the criminal organization's hierarchy. Photo by Peel Regional Police Silvia Gualtieri, Ontario's parliamentary assistant to the solicitor general, said public safety is an Ontario government priority. 'There has never been a government more focused on public safety than the one under the leadership of Premier Ford. Thanks to his leadership, Ontarians can wake up, go to work, and return home knowing their safety is a top priority every single day.' A violent turf war over tow trucking business and ancillary spin offs, such as auto repairs, insurance payments, and medical and therapy bills, has been hitting the Greater Toronto Area with shootings and arsons for several years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Earlier this month, Toronto police announced that a shocking mass shooting inside a Toronto pub in March was linked to an ongoing tow truck turf war that included other shootings and a robbery. Toronto police charged 11 people in their probe. • Email: ahumphreys@ | Twitter: AD_Humphreys Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here. Politics Cult of Hockey Cult of Hockey Sports Sports
Vancouver Sun
3 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Violent extortion gang linked to Ontario towing turf war; many were on judicial release for other charges when arrested
Another large police probe in southern Ontario was linked to the tow truck industry, this time a large criminal network accused of extortion, fraud, and violence. Peel Regional Police said more than $4.2 million in assets were seized and 18 people were arrested, including two men alleged to be the bosses behind a network involved in two streams of criminality: one dedicated to extortion and violence, and the other to systematic fraud through staged car collisions rooted in the towing industry. Of the 18 charged, almost half were already on a form of judicial release for previous charges at the time of their arrest. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Since their most recent arrest, three of the 18 were quickly released with an order to attend court at a later date. Of the 15 who were held in police custody pending a court appearance, seven have had that hearing, where all but one was released on bail. The remainder await a court hearing. In 2023 a wave of violent extortions — demands for large sums of money accompanied by threats of violence — targeted members of the South Asian business community in Peel, west and northwest of Toronto encompassing the cities of Mississauga and Brampton. 'These threats escalated into a variety of different offences including drive-by shootings, arson, a variety of acts of violence that spread fear and insecurity, not just into our local community but it gripped international news,' said Peel's Chief of Police Nishan Duraiappah. Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, said the extortions and violence terrified his community. 'Everyone was scared. They heard about these incidents and there was a real concern that we were only hearing the tip of the iceberg, that there's more and more of these very dangerous extortions happening.' The police response led to a task force formed last summer that led to a large probe named Project Outsource. The investigation pointed to two Brampton men who are now under arrested. Investigators allege Inderjit Dhami, 38, and Paritosh Chopra, 32, were at the top of the criminal organization's hierarchy. 'They are charged with instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization,' said Peel's Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich. 'What that means is they were in charge of this organization and providing direction to others that were a part of it,' he alleged. 'This was a crime group who attempted to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from our community with threats and also engaged in tow industry related violence and crimes like fraud.' A police parking lot packed with items seized during the investigation, raids and arrests — 18 tow trucks, six guns, a crossbow, 586 rounds of ammunition, cash, a stun gun, baseball bats and a ballistic vest with a 'POLICE' logo on it — suggested the violence or potential violence involved. 'We have substantial evidence linking the group to dozens of staged accidents and potentially costing insurance companies between $80,000 and $100,000 for each staged accident. In total those fraudulent claims exceed a million dollars for this particular investigationm' Milinovich said. 'To our community members, if you receive a demand for money under violence do not pay. Call the police immediately. We are committed to protecting your identity and your safety,' he said. Acting Detective Sergeant Brian Lorette, the primary investigator in Project Outsource, said the 18 tow trucks seized, valued at $2.8 million, were found to be associated with two towing companies, operating under the names Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside. Four personal vehicles, valued at $840,000, were seized and five stolen vehicles recovered. Lorette said the investigation is still ongoing, and he anticipates further arrests and charges. The guns are being examined both to trace their source and also for potential use in other crimes. One gun has already been linked to a shooting. A ballistic vest bearing a police logo was seized from one of the accused, he said. Police are investigating its authenticity and whether it came from a police service. All but one of the accused is a male living in Brampton. One woman was arrested, who lived in King City, north of Toronto. Like their victims, almost all of those arrested are from the South Asian community. The announcement was used by federal and provincial politicians to promote their crime reduction policies and promises. Ruby Sahota, federal secretary of state of combating crime in Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet, was bullish on the Liberal's crackdown. 'This is not just an investigation, it's a turning point,' she said, calling the Peel announcement 'a warning to organized crime that we will not stop here. Our new government is going to provide law enforcement with even more tools to take down organized crime. 'When law enforcement does great work like they have today through Project Outsource, we need to make sure that it's met with a bail and sentencing system that fits the nature of these crimes.' Silvia Gualtieri, Ontario's parliamentary assistant to the solicitor general, said public safety is an Ontario government priority. 'There has never been a government more focused on public safety than the one under the leadership of Premier Ford. Thanks to his leadership, Ontarians can wake up, go to work, and return home knowing their safety is a top priority every single day.' A violent turf war over tow trucking business and ancillary spin offs, such as auto repairs, insurance payments, and medical and therapy bills, has been hitting the Greater Toronto Area with shootings and arsons for several years. Earlier this month, Toronto police announced that a shocking mass shooting inside a Toronto pub in March was linked to an ongoing tow truck turf war that included other shootings and a robbery. Toronto police charged 11 people in their probe. • Email: ahumphreys@ | Twitter: AD_Humphreys Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
‘Violent' crime group linked to extortion attempts and dozens of staged collisions in GTA, police say
A total of 18 people taken into custody in connection with a Peel Regional Police investigation into extortion are shown. (Peel Regional Police) Peel police say they have dismantled a violent criminal organization that attempted to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from members of the community and defraud insurance companies by staging collisions across GTA roadways. Details of the investigation, dubbed Project Outsource, were announced at a news conference in Peel Region on Monday morning. According to investigators, 18 people have been arrested and are facing a total of nearly 100 charges in the probe, which was launched in July 2024. The investigation was launched by the police service's extortion investigation task force in response to a 'sharp' rise in violent extortions in 2023 that targeted members of the South Asian business community, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah told reporters on Monday. 'The threats escalated into a variety of different offences, including drive-by shootings, arsons, a variety of acts of violence that spread fear and insecurity,' he said. Det. Brian Lorette, who led the task force, said a Brampton-based group was identified as the perpetrators of a 'significant portion' of these crimes, as well as 'offences in the towing industry.' In addition to the extortion attempts, police said the group was responsible for staging 'dozens' of collisions on GTA roadways in an effort to defraud insurance companies. Lorette would not provide specific information about the incidents uncovered during the investigation but said the staged collisions were 'fraudulent in every aspect.' 'They start at the planning stage. These are collisions that are often happening on our roadways, which obviously have a public safety impact, sometimes including police, ambulance and fire attending the scene,' he said. 'They continue the fraud all the way through the reporting and through the insurance industry to reap the material benefits of the fraud.' Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said in total, the fraudulent claims exceeded $1 million. An estimated $4.2 million worth of assets were seized as part of the probe, including 18 tow trucks, police noted. The trucks, Lorette said, were 'some of the tools' used 'to commit their offences.' The suspects, police said, were believed to be associated with towing companies operating under the names Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside. Four high-end personal vehicles, five stolen vehicles, six firearms, 600 rounds of ammunition, two bulletproof vests, and $45,000 in Canadian currency were also seized as part of the investigation. The seizures occurred during the execution of 67 search warrants in Peel Region, Caledon, York Region, and Toronto on June 10, Lorette added. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of other GTA police forces, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). 'This investigation is still ongoing and we anticipate further arrests and charges,' Lorette said. 'We believe the guns and tow trucks seized during this investigation as well as the arrests made will have a significant impact on our region as well as across the GTA and throughout Canada.'
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Criminal network tied to towing industry dismantled, 18 people charged: Peel police
Police in the Greater Toronto Area say they have dismantled an organized criminal network linked to the towing industry and seized tow trucks, stolen vehicles and weapons after an investigation into several extortion incidents. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah says the investigation dubbed Project Outsource is a blow to the alleged criminal organization that spread fear and violence in the community. Police say they started investigating extortion incidents and related acts of violence in July 2024. They allege several suspects associated with towing companies in the GTA were engaged in insurance fraud by staging vehicle collisions and using threats, assaults and firearms to control local towing operations. A total of 17 men from Brampton, Ont., and one woman from King City, Ont., have been arrested and charged with a total of 97 offences. Police say they seized 18 tow trucks, four personal vehicles, five stolen vehicles, six firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and two bulletproof vests. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
