"Victims of these incidents are often contacted through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, which allow online chat groups," police said in the release.
Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a video statement that police noticed a "disturbing" trend in late 2023 in which business owners were becoming the victims of extortion attempts for large sums of money under the threat of violence.
Since it was launched, Duraiappah said police have investigated more than 60 extortion-related incidents, made 23 arrests and laid 154 charges.
The incidents have also involved property damage and weapons offences, with the task force recovering four firearms in their latest operation.
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