And while most incidents have been reported in major population areas, dozens of extortion cases are under investigation in rural Ontario, the OPP says.<\/p>\n
The Caledon and Dufferin OPP detachments currently have more than 50 open extortion investigations, and there have been another 10 reported incidents in the Norfolk, Brant, Middlesex and Wellington areas, police say.<\/p>\n
Some of the threats have escalated into shootings, the OPP says.<\/p>\n
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READ MORE: \u2018Enough is enough,\u2019 as Ottawa takes steps to halt extortion in Brampton and Mississauga<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThese individuals have employed intimidation tactics, including discharging firearms into victims\u2019 homes and businesses, placing community members at significant risk,\u201d OPP Detective Inspector Matt Watson said in a release.<\/p>\n The extortion threats are usually made via phone call or text message, sometimes over WhatsApp, from potentially violent criminals making threats for protection money. Some of the threats have turned violent, and Brown himself has been the target of multiple alleged threats.<\/p>\n To help combat extortionists, the federal government announced last week that it is introducing financial tracking technology to follow the money trail to gain intelligence on criminals through Canadian banks<\/a>, credit unions, and financial service providers of virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies.<\/p>\n Police are urging anyone who has been a target of extortion threats or who may have information about these incidents to contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.<\/p>\n The measures announced by the Government of Canada include:<\/p>\n \u200bPrioritizing financial intelligence resources to tackle extortion, enabling law enforcement to receive more timely and relevant intelligence to identify criminal networks and support investigations.
\nLaunching a Countering Extortion Partnership with financial institutions, government, and law enforcement alongside partners such as the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and local police.
\nAssigning financial intelligence experts from FINTRAC as dedicated liaison officers to work directly with local law enforcement in the most affected areas, including Ontario.
\nProviding financial institutions with clear guidance on how to detect extortion transactions.
\nPublishing intelligence on how criminals move and hide extortion money.<\/p>\n