Eighteen people have been arrested as part of an extortion investigation by Peel police. CTV News
Peel police announced they have broken up a violent gang that caused fear across the Greater Toronto Area. The group tried to extort huge sums from community members and trick insurance companies with fake car crashes.
18 People Face Nearly 100 Charges
Police named the investigation Project Outsource. It started in July 2024 after a spike in threats and violent acts. Officers arrested 18 people and laid almost 100 charges.
Extortion Targeted South Asian Business Owners
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said most of the victims belonged to the South Asian business community.
“The threats grew worse,” he said. “They led to shootings, arsons, and violent attacks that made people feel unsafe.”
Planned Fake Collisions to Scam Insurance
Detective Brian Lorette led the task force. He said a group from Brampton played a major role in both the extortion and insurance fraud schemes. The group staged dozens of car crashes on GTA roads to get money from insurance claims.
“These crashes were fake from the beginning,” Lorette explained. “They planned them, carried them out in public, and even brought in police and emergency crews. Then they continued the lies to get insurance money.”
Over $1 Million in Insurance Fraud
Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said the fraud claims added up to more than $1 million.
Police Seized Millions in Assets
During the investigation, police recovered about $4.2 million in assets. That included:
- 18 tow trucks used to commit the crimes
- 4 luxury personal vehicles
- 5 stolen cars
- 6 firearms
- 600 bullets
- 2 bulletproof vests
- $45,000 in cash
Police said the gang used the tow trucks to stage crashes and commit other crimes. The trucks belonged to companies called Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside.
Large-Scale Police Operation
Officers searched 67 locations on June 10. These included places in Peel Region, Caledon, York Region, and Toronto. Several other law enforcement agencies also helped, including federal authorities.
More Arrests Could Follow
Detective Lorette said the case is still open.
“We expect more arrests and charges. The work we’ve done so far has made our region and the whole GTA much safer.”
