The Canada Border Services Agency says two recent cases illustrate its ongoing efforts to identify and remove individuals linked to extortion and organized criminal schemes in Canada.
With ongoing extortion-related crimes still happening in Surrey as well as other B.C. communities, the federal agency noted it has recently removed two individuals — Arshdeep Singh and Sukhnaaz Singh Sandu — under escort.
Singh, who entered Canada on a study permit in 2022, was arrested and detained by the CBSA in November of 2025 and was reported inadmissible for membership in a criminal organization linked to extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearm offences, a CBSA release said.
In December of last year, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada found him inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for organized criminality and issued a deportation order, and the CBSA removed him from Canada under escort on Jan. 19, 2026.
Sandhu entered Canada in 2016 as a temporary resident. He was also arrested and detained by the CBSA in November of 2025 and reported inadmissible for organized criminality. The IRB found him inadmissible under the IRPA as well, and issued a deportation order.
Sandhu was removed under escort on Feb. 3, 2026.
The CBSA continues to investigate individuals alleged to be engaged in extortion and extortion-related activities, and will take appropriate enforcement action as the investigations conclude, the release continued, noting that extortion is a serious crime “that harms Canadians, communities and businesses.”
As criminal networks evolve and expand, the CBSA and its partners “are intensifying efforts and prioritizing enforcement against those involved in serious criminality, including organized crime and extortion.”
The release noted that the CBSA is working with law enforcement partners through joint task forces such as its partnership with the B.C. Extortion Task Force in B.C.’s Lower Mainland and with Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as its continued joint efforts with police in Ontario and across the country.
As of Thursday (March 12), the CBSA has opened 372 immigration investigations, 70 removal orders have been issued for various inadmissibility grounds, and 35 removals have been enforced, the release said.
“Protecting the safety and well‑being of Canadians requires constant vigilance in the face of evolving criminal threats. Extortion and organized crime have no place in our country,” Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said in the release. “Our government will continue to support and invest in strong, coordinated enforcement efforts so we can take action against those who seek to exploit and harm our communities, including removing those who are not entitled to remain in Canada”
The CBSA operates a tip line that allows the public to share information or directly report on the whereabouts of those who are inadmissible to Canada. Tips received are reviewed and assigned to officers for investigations. Contact the Border Watch Line or call toll-free: 1-888-502-9060.