Immigration – Canada Deports Two Indian Nationals Over Organized Crime Links
Immigration – Canadian authorities have deported two Indian nationals from Punjab after linking them to alleged involvement in organized criminal activities, including extortion. The action was carried out by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which has also intensified its broader crackdown on immigration-related violations tied to serious crimes.
Arrests and Deportation Orders
According to an official statement, one of the individuals, Arshdeep Singh, had arrived in Canada in 2022 on a study permit. He was taken into custody in November 2025 after investigators identified his alleged connections to a criminal network involved in offences such as extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms activities. Authorities subsequently declared him inadmissible under Canadian immigration laws.
Following a review, the Immigration and Refugee Board issued a deportation order in December 2025, citing organized criminality. Singh remained in custody due to concerns about public safety and the possibility of fleeing. He was eventually deported under escort on January 19, 2026.
Second Case Linked to Similar Allegations
The second individual, Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu, had entered Canada in 2016 as a temporary resident. He was also arrested in November 2025 on allegations related to organized crime. After legal proceedings, the Immigration and Refugee Board ruled him inadmissible and ordered his removal from the country.
Sandhu remained detained until early February 2026, when he was deported under supervision on February 3. Officials stated that both individuals had been living in Edmonton, Alberta, though their alleged activities extended into other provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia.
Legal Challenge and Claims
During the deportation process, Sandhu reportedly challenged the decision, arguing that he could face persecution upon returning to India due to his support for the Khalistan movement. However, authorities proceeded with the removal after completing the legal process.
Broader Crackdown on Organized Crime
The CBSA emphasized that extortion remains a serious concern affecting communities and businesses across Canada. In response to the evolving nature of organized criminal networks, the agency has stepped up enforcement efforts and prioritized cases involving serious offences.
In August last year, the agency began closely tracking immigration cases potentially linked to extortion in western regions, including the Pacific and Prairie areas. By November, this monitoring was expanded to the Greater Toronto Area.
Rising Investigations and Enforcement Actions
As of March 12 this year, the CBSA reported opening 372 immigration investigations connected to suspected criminal activity. Authorities have issued 70 removal orders so far, with 35 individuals already deported.
Officials noted that cases are identified through multiple channels, including collaboration with specialized task forces, information shared by partner agencies, and tips received from the public.
Coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies
The CBSA continues to work alongside various law enforcement bodies across the country. Joint efforts include partnerships with regional task forces in British Columbia and Alberta, as well as cooperation with local police departments in Ontario and other provinces.
When police identify individuals potentially violating immigration laws, the information is passed to the CBSA, which then conducts further investigations that may lead to detention or removal proceedings.
Government Response and Future Measures
Senior officials have reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing organized crime. CBSA President Erin O’Gorman stated that extortion not only empowers criminal groups but also causes long-term harm to communities, adding that the agency is using all available tools to prevent such individuals from remaining in Canada.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also highlighted the importance of sustained enforcement, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to counter increasingly complex criminal threats.
Increased Deportations and Resource Allocation
Last year alone, the CBSA removed more than 22,500 individuals deemed inadmissible, including over 1,000 cases involving serious criminality such as national security concerns and organized crime. Currently, the agency is carrying out approximately 400 removals each week.
To strengthen enforcement capacity, the Canadian government has allocated additional funding under its border plan, aiming to facilitate up to 20,000 removals annually over the current and next fiscal years.