Surrey police reveal 76 extortion victims are repeatedly targeted, with some businesses hit up to four times. Officers urge reporting over paying.
Surrey Sees Spike in Repeat Extortion Cases
Surrey’s extortion problem isn’t slowing down. As of December 8, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) has logged 106 extortion cases, with 44 linked to shootings. The shocking part? A large number of victims are being targeted more than once.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton tells 1130 NewsRadio that 76 victims have faced repeated threats—some two, three, or even four times.
“Often, victims don’t pay initially, and that’s when the calls come again—days, weeks, or even months later,” Houghton explains. “Sometimes it’s the business that’s threatened repeatedly, depending on the type of business and who owns it.”
High-Profile Targets: Kap’s Café
One of the most well-known victims is Kap’s Café, linked to Bollywood star Kapil Sharma. The café has been shot at three times and forced to close for repairs each time.
Police stress that paying criminals only encourages them.
“Some victims have paid before and were contacted again, often for larger amounts,” says Houghton. “It ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Houghton declined to reveal how victims pay, citing ongoing investigations.
Police Advice: Don’t Pay, Report
The SPS urges residents not to negotiate with criminals. Instead, Houghton advises victims to contact police immediately to create a safety plan. Ignoring these steps could put individuals or their communities at greater risk.
Fear is spreading, especially in Surrey’s South Asian community, which has been most affected. “People’s emotions are running high. We’ve spoken to over 1,000 residents and business owners. Everyone is worried about who might be next,” Houghton notes.
Copycats and Precautions
Authorities warn that low-level criminals may try to exploit the situation by targeting previous victims again. Initial contact is often made through WhatsApp or phone calls, and Houghton emphasizes the importance of keeping any suspicious messages as evidence.
“People might be tempted to delete these messages, but saving them can provide crucial evidence,” she explains.
Patrols have been increased in Surrey’s hardest-hit areas, with more arrests and charges expected in the coming months.
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