Music Producer Accused of Extortion in Canada Speaks Out Against Criminal Portrayal

Toronto, Canada: Arundeep Thind, a 39-year-old Indian-origin man, arrested and charged with extortion threats against South Asian businesses in Canada, claims innocence and asserts he is wrongly portrayed as a high-level gangster by police.

Thind, a music producer, denies involvement in organized crime, stating he became a victim when asked by a friend to intervene in an extortion attempt. Thind alleges he was coerced into approaching a car dealership on behalf of extortionists but distanced himself when he handed the phone to the dealership owner. Despite posting social media photos with a gun, he insists it was from a music video and not real.

Thind faces one count of extortion related to an incident on January 26 and has been released on bail. While admitting to a domestic incident charge, he denies connections to the four others charged. Peel Regional Police (PRP) Chief Nishan Duraiappah noted a complex ecosystem involved in such crimes, with the PRP task force investigating 29 extortion cases, including nine incidents with shootings at local South Asian-owned businesses. The targeted businesses include restaurants, bakeries, trucking companies, used car dealerships, and jewelry stores. Thind’s release has caused concern in the community, though he has not yet been tried in court.