B.C. and federal officials to announce stronger response to extortion threats

B.C. Premier David Eby, federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, and provincial and municipal leaders will make a joint announcement on Friday morning outlining new measures to address the surge in extortion-related threats across the region. The announcement is scheduled for 9 a.m. PT.

Surrey and South Asian communities facing increased threats

South Asian communities across Canada, particularly in Surrey, B.C. — have seen a sharp rise in extortion attempts, threats, and violence throughout the past year. In response, British Columbia created a dedicated provincial extortion response team earlier this fall to help coordinate investigations.

Surrey has also launched a $250,000 reward fund to encourage the public to come forward with information leading to convictions in local extortion cases.

Growing public concern and community response

The Law Society of B.C. recently alerted its members to a series of new extortion-related incidents. Meanwhile, Vancouver Police hosted a community safety forum on Wednesday night to address concerns from residents, despite no confirmed extortion cases in Vancouver so far.

Residents, however, say the regional trend is alarming.

“We don’t want what’s happening south of us happening in our city,” said Jagdeep Sanghera, vice-president of the Khalsa Diwan Society. “The only way to prevent it is by working with police and cooperating fully as a community.”

Enforcement and immigration actions

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced earlier this month that it had deported three individuals linked to extortion investigations. CBSA is also reviewing the status of 78 foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to Canada due to suspected involvement in organized crime or extortion networks.

B.C.’s Solicitor General Nina Krieger reinforced the province’s stance:

“If individuals enter Canada to engage in violent extortion, they will be removed under all applicable laws.”

Friday’s joint announcement is expected to outline coordinated enforcement efforts, victim support measures, and new provincial-federal strategies to counter the growing threat.