Chandigarh/Vancouver: A special task force formed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia is currently investigating 111 foreign nationals in connection with a series of extortion cases, with a significant number of the suspects reportedly tracing their origins to Punjab.
Officials associated with the probe clarified that the investigation is being conducted strictly on the basis of evidence and intelligence inputs, and not with the intent to target any specific community. The inquiry relies heavily on CCTV recordings, digital trails, financial data and forensic material to establish links between suspects and the alleged crimes.
The task force was set up in 2025 in response to a surge in organised extortion rackets targeting businesses and individuals, particularly within immigrant communities. Investigators say the network appears to operate across borders, using encrypted communication platforms and international money transfer channels to avoid detection.
Meanwhile, fresh revelations have emerged about the scale of Punjabi gangster operations from overseas. According to a report by The Tribune, intelligence compiled by Punjab Police suggests that as many as 61 high-profile gangsters are currently operating from foreign locations. Of these, 18 are believed to be based in the United States, nine in the United Arab Emirates, and six each in Canada and Germany. Five gang leaders are reportedly active in the United Kingdom and across parts of Europe, while three each are based in Australia and Portugal. Smaller clusters have also been traced to Thailand and Malaysia, with isolated cases in Pakistan, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia.
Law enforcement agencies in Punjab have responded by setting up a dedicated Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell, aimed at monitoring the movements of these individuals, gathering actionable intelligence, and coordinating with international authorities to facilitate their return to India.
Senior police officials said the cell will focus on building strong legal cases to ensure successful extradition and prosecution. “The objective is to dismantle these transnational networks and bring those involved to justice under Indian law,” an officer said.
The developments highlight growing concerns over the international spread of organised crime syndicates originating from the region and underline the need for deeper cooperation between Indian and foreign law enforcement agencies to curb cross-border criminal activities.
