February 10, 2026
Brampton, ON
Arpan Chahal
Peel Regional Police are confronting a sustained wave of extortion cases, with senior officials warning that investigative delays, encrypted communications and gaps in federal legislation are allowing criminal networks to adapt faster than law enforcement.
Speaking with host Shameel Jasvir on Good Morning Toronto on RED FM, Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich outlined the mounting challenges facing police as extortion increasingly targets businesses across the region.
They go where the money is,” police say as extortion spreads from large logistics firms to small family-run businesses
Peel Police recorded 494 extortion incidents in 2024, followed by 476 cases in 2025. Those figures include all forms of extortion, from individual threats to organized schemes targeting commercial operations.
Business-related extortion has shown a notable increase. Police documented 153 targeted business extortions in 2024, rising to 192 in 2025, signalling what investigators describe as a growing focus on commercial victims.
“They go where the money is,” Milinovich said, noting that both large logistics companies and small, family-run businesses are being targeted.
Investigative and legal barriers slow police response
Milinovich described extortion investigations as inherently complex, citing underreporting as one of the most significant barriers. Many victims, particularly small business owners, choose to pay demands rather than contact police, fearing retaliation or prolonged disruption. That decision can signal to smaller criminal groups that extortion is an easy way to make money,” he said. “Once a payment is made, the demands often continue, which is why reporting is critical.
Legal and justice-system constraints also complicate enforcement efforts. Milinovich pointed to bail and justice reform challenges, stressing the importance of holding offenders properly accountable while ensuring victims receive adequate support.
30-45 Day delays in court-ordered telecom records slow extortion probes, police call for faster call tracing
A major challenge, according to police, is the slow process for obtaining digital evidence. Extortion threats are frequently delivered through encrypted messaging platforms, like WhatsApp, with communications often traced to accounts or servers based outside Canada, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
While investigators can seek production orders to access telecommunications data, Milinovich said responses commonly take 30 to 45 days. “In an active extortion case, that delay is critical,” he said. “It significantly limits our ability to disrupt criminal activity.”
Peel Police are advocating for reforms under Bill C-2, which would modernize lawful-access provisions and allow investigators to obtain key communications data more quickly. Milinovich said similar systems already exist in several allied countries. “This is about closing a gap in our system,” he said.
Local cells driving most arrests
Despite the international nature of many communications, Milinovich said most arrests made by Peel Police involve local criminal cells operating within the region. These groups often maintain ties to larger organized crime networks but function independently on the ground.
“The majority of arrests we’ve made are local cells referencing larger organizations,” he said. “Some are smaller groups who see an opportunity and exploit it.” Peel Police have also charged members of more sophisticated organized crime groups, but the decentralized nature of extortion networks continues to pose challenges.
Call for tougher laws and greater accountability
As extortion tactics evolve, Peel Police say stronger legislative tools and faster access to digital evidence are essential to keep pace. Milinovich emphasized that meaningful change will require both legal reform and increased public cooperation. “We need people to report these crimes and not pay,” he said. “At the same time, we need tougher laws and quicker investigative tools to hold those responsible accountable.”
Police continue to urge victims to come forward, warning that silence and compliance only allow extortion networks to expand.
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