Feds to fund police efforts against extortion in southern Ontario

The federal government will give Peel Regional Police up to $1 million to support extortion investigations and victim services, and will provide $4 million over four years for a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team in partnership with Ontario and local authorities.

The federal government announced funding to support efforts against extortion in southern Ontario. It said it will give Peel Regional Police up to $1 million to back investigations, provide services to victims and build on the work of an existing task force. Peel Regional Police formed an Extortion Investigative Task Force in 2023 after threats affecting members of the South Asian business community. Ottawa also announced the creation of a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team in partnership with Ontario and local authorities. Key facts: - The federal government will give Peel Regional Police up to $1 million to support extortion investigations, victim services and the work of the Extortion Investigative Task Force. - Peel Regional Police created the Extortion Investigative Task Force in 2023 in response to threats against members of the South Asian business community. - Ottawa said organized criminal networks use intimidation and threats to fund and exert control over illegal markets for drugs, automobiles and firearms. - The federal government will back a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team with $4 million over four years, to bring together law enforcement resources across agencies and jurisdictions. Summary: The announced funding is intended to reinforce local investigative work and victim support and to coordinate a multi‑agency response to organized crime influencing illegal markets. The creation of the Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team accompanies the support for Peel Police. Undetermined at this time.