Gangs using Indian international students as 'money mules' in Canada's extortion crimes, new report finds

A bullet hole in a window at the scene of an extortion-related shooting in Surrey in October 2025. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO /PNG

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The Bishnoi gang may not be the only criminal organization involved in extortion crimes in Canada, according to a new federal report.

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The report, from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), also states that international students from India facing financial pressure are being used as “money mules” in extortion crimes.

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“For me, this report is a very expensive ‘I told you so,’ because we should’ve been on this months ago because we knew this was happening and it’s what the community has been saying,” said Mohkam Singh Malik, a member of Surrey’s livability, social equity and public safety committee.

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FINTRAC released a special bulletin that provides insight into who is committing extortion violence in Canada and also how much is being paid out by victims.

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The report says the majority of extortion crimes appear to be tied to criminal organizations. The Bishnoi gang, long rumoured to be involved in the extortion shootings in Surrey and having taken credit for some as well, may not be the only India-based group involved.

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The Bambiha gang, a rival to the Bishnoi gang, has been involved in extortion, contract violence and large‑scale protection rackets, according to FINTRAC.

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The report says Indian male nationals are being used as “foot soldiers” and are acting on behalf of criminal networks.

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“The mobility of suspects reinforces the assessment that these networks operate across geographic boundaries. This adaptability allows offenders to exploit co-ordination gaps, making it difficult for authorities to contain their activities,” the report says.

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Some financial patterns indicate that many victims — who are Punjabi-Canadian business owners in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario — are still paying the extortionists.

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Mohkam Singh Malik is a member of Surrey’s livability, social equity and public safety committee. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

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Targets of extortion threats are typically contacted anonymously through calls or messages over encrypted chat applications, and large payments are demanded. If the individual does not comply, gunfire at their homes or businesses follows. In recent Surrey cases, there have also been arsons.

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So far this year, there have been 87 extortions reported to Surrey police. Of those, 15 involved shootings and two were arsons, with a total of 46 victims impacted. Of the total victims, 25 of them had previously been victims of extortion.

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“Continued efforts are also needed to reduce the stigma and fear that prevent victims from seeking help. These are factors that offenders increasingly rely on to maintain their influence and avoid detection,” FINTRAC says.

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Victims are still paying extortionists, the report states, often in smaller amounts than initially demanded, which suggests they are negotiating more realistic payoffs. Some victims may also be paying out the money in several transactions over a period of time.