CBSA intensifies removals of individuals involved in extortion related crime in Canada
With the provincial governments grappling to contain the extortion related incidents in their territories, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) launch 484 immigration related investigation relating to suspects who may have direct or indirect links to extortion related crimes. As of June 18, the agency has issued 139 removal orders and removed 81 individuals from the country. The CBSA engages with law enforcement partners through joint task forces focused on serious and organized crime. When police identify individuals who may be in violation of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), they refer these cases to the CBSA for investigation, which may result in enforcement actions, including removal from Canada.Beginning in August 2025, the CBSA implemented enhanced tracking of immigration enforcement cases with potential links to extortion in the Pacific and Prairie regions, later extending this approach to the Greater Toronto Area in November 2025. These cases come to light through coordinated efforts with law enforcement, input from partner agencies, public information, and CBSA-led investigations.In relation to this work, as of June 18, the CBSA has opened 484 immigration investigations, 139 removal orders have been issued on various inadmissibility grounds and are in the process of being enforced, with 81 individuals having already been removed from Canada. Pacific Region has the highest, 150 immigration investigations opened, 69 removal orders have been issued, and 46 individuals have been removed from Canada; In CBSA Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region, 196 immigration investigations have been opened, 33 removal orders have been issued, and 17 individuals have been removed from Canada and in CBSA Prairie Region, 138 immigration investigations have been opened, 37 removal orders have been issued, and 18 individuals have been removed from Canada. Combating extortion remains a priority for the CBSA. The Agency continues to advance investigations into suspected individuals and will take decisive enforcement action, including removals, as cases progress.“Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. The Government of Canada is working hard to stay ahead of increasingly complex international criminal threats like extortion. We continue to take strong action by strengthening enforcement, investing in our partners, and ensuring that those who exploit or endanger others are held accountable. This includes removing criminals and individuals who have no legal right to remain here," Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety Canada.Erin O’Gorman, President of CBSA SAID, “The CBSA is working side by side with other law enforcement partners to counter extortion, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent further harm to our communities. We are committed to ensuring that individuals involved in these activities cannot find safe haven in Canada.”
