‘Study permits to money mules’: Canada’s FINTRAC exposes extortion rackets targeting Punjabi diaspora
Indian Express·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
Canada's FINTRAC financial intelligence agency released a bulletin exposing transnational criminal networks laundering millions through extortion schemes targeting South Asian diaspora in Canadian cities. Organized crime groups recruit vulnerable Indian international students aged 17-28 as money mules. Networks with alleged Bishnoi gang links use threats, intimidation, and violence across provinces, laundering proceeds through email transfers, cheques, and hawala channels.
Key Entities
FINTRACCanadaPunjabi diasporaSouth Asian communitiesSurrey, British ColumbiaBrampton, OntarioBishnoi gangIndian international studentsMoney launderingExtortion rackets