OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — Canadian authorities are stepping up efforts to combat extortion and organized crime, as officials warn that evolving criminal networks continue to threaten communities and businesses across the country.
The Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, says it is increasing enforcement and working closely with police to identify and remove individuals involved in serious criminal activity. The agency is focusing on cases linked to extortion, which officials describe as a growing and harmful crime.
The CBSA has strengthened partnerships with law enforcement agencies nationwide. These include joint task forces in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and collaborations with specialized teams in Alberta and Ontario. Police alert the CBSA when they suspect someone may have violated immigration laws. The agency then investigates and may take enforcement action, including detention or removal from Canada.
In August 2025, the CBSA began formally tracking immigration cases tied to extortion in western regions. By November, it expanded this effort to the Greater Toronto Area. Officials say they gather information through task forces, public tips, and internal investigations.
As of March 12, 2026, the CBSA has opened 372 immigration investigations linked to extortion-related activity. Officers have issued 70 removal orders and carried out 35 removals so far. Officials say these numbers reflect a targeted effort to disrupt organized crime networks. They stress that investigations remain ongoing and more enforcement actions may follow.
Authorities point to recent cases to show how the system works. In one case, a man who entered Canada on a study permit in 2022 was arrested in November 2025. Investigators linked him to a criminal organization involved in extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. In December, an immigration tribunal found him inadmissible for organized criminality and ordered his deportation. Officials removed him from Canada under escort in January 2026.
In another case, a temporary resident who arrived in 2016 faced similar action. Authorities arrested him in November 2025 and later deemed him inadmissible due to organized crime links. He remained in detention until his removal in February 2026. Officials say both cases show how enforcement agencies identify risks and act to protect public safety.
The CBSA continues to investigate individuals suspected of extortion-related crimes. Officials say they will take action as cases conclude.
The agency also encourages public involvement. It operates a tip line where people can report information about individuals believed to be inadmissible to Canada. Officers review all tips and assign them for investigation when necessary. Government leaders say strong enforcement is essential to protect communities. They emphasize that extortion harms vulnerable people and fuels organized crime.
The federal government has invested in border security to support these efforts. In 2025, the CBSA removed more than 22,500 inadmissible individuals. Of those, 1,010 cases involved serious criminality, including national security threats and organized crime. Currently, the agency removes about 400 individuals each week.
Under Canada’s Border Plan, officials allocated $30.4 million to help the CBSA complete 20,000 removals annually. The plan also includes hiring 1,000 new officers to strengthen enforcement capacity. At present, about 530 officers focus on immigration enforcement. Their work includes investigations, detention, hearings, and removals.
