B.C. police report progress against extortion as seven face charges and 111 face immigration probes, while Surrey logs its 35th case this year.
A Crime Wave Keeps Police on Alert
Extortion keeps spreading across B.C. However, police say they are pushing back hard. Meanwhile, Surrey logged its 35th suspected extortion case this year. As a result, public concern keeps rising. Still, officers say progress is real and steady.
Early Tuesday, gunfire hit a business in Surrey. Therefore, police moved fast. Shortly after, Mounties confirmed the case may link to extortion. Consequently, the incident added urgency to an already active investigation.
Task Force Steps Into the Spotlight
Later Tuesday, the RCMP plans to brief the public. The update will mark four months of work by the provincial extortion task force. Notably, the news conference starts at 1 p.m. PT in Surrey. Meanwhile, CBC News will carry it live.
The task force began work in mid-September. Since then, it has united RCMP officers, city police, transit police, and federal border officials. As a result, agencies now share leads faster and act sooner.
Charges Laid and Investigations Expand
Since Sept. 17, 2025, the task force has handled 32 cases across the Lower Mainland. During that time, officers secured 100 court approvals, including search warrants. More importantly, prosecutors approved charges against seven people.
At the same time, police worked closely with the Canada Border Services Agency. Because of that effort, 111 foreign nationals now face immigration reviews. So far, nine people have already left Canada.
Surrey and Beyond Feel the Impact
Extortion cases often target South Asian communities. In addition, Surrey, Delta, and Abbotsford see the highest numbers. Last year alone, Surrey reported 132 extortion attempts. Alarmingly, 49 involved shootings.
Despite this, police stress they do not step into every case. Instead, city forces handle some files on their own. However, the task force jumps in when cases cross borders or grow complex.
Police Promise Accountability
Investigators now hold more than 1,000 pieces of evidence. They also review hundreds of hours of video. Therefore, cases continue to move forward.
Assistant Commissioner John Brewer offered reassurance. He said police will keep pressing ahead. Above all, he stressed one goal: to hold every offender to account.
As extortion threats persist, police say vigilance matters. Meanwhile, they urge anyone with information to come forward.
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