While recent arrests of suspects tied to extortion-related incidents may seem like progress, experts and community leaders warn that the root problem persists and much more work remains to be done.
Recent Arrests and Court Proceedings
On Feb. 5, three men — Harjot Singh, Taranveer Singh, and Dayajeet Singh Billing appeared briefly in Surrey court, though their full hearing has been pushed back by a week. These charges come amid broader law-enforcement efforts to bring people accused of extortion and associated violence to justice.
However, authorities stress that arrests alone are not enough to solve the widespread issue.
Extortion Cases Are Still Active
Despite these and earlier arrests, community safety advocates and police are clear that making arrests is only one piece of the puzzle. Law enforcement agencies across British Columbia, including Surrey, Delta, and Abbotsford police services, continue to report a high volume of extortion investigations — many of which have not yet resulted in charges.
Extortion incidents have included threatening messages, shootings at homes and businesses, arson attempts, and violence related to money demands. Hundreds of reports have been logged over the past year, and dozens involved gunfire, even when charges were not laid.
Steps Taken by Authorities
To combat the problem, the province has established a dedicated B.C. Extortion Task Force, backed by municipal, provincial, and federal agencies. This task force has increased funding, shared intelligence, and coordinated investigations designed to disrupt criminal networks and support victims.
Police leaders also call for improvements in the justice system, including faster access to digital evidence and more efficient court processes, so investigations can progress without stalling.
Tackling the Root Cause
Community voices emphasize that extortion cannot be tackled solely through police action. Building trust between victims and law enforcement, encouraging reporting, strengthening legal tools, and addressing the underlying networks that enable extortion are all crucial steps.
While arrests provide an important signal that authorities are taking action, they do not mean the extortion problem has been solved once and for all. A sustained, multi-layered approach combining prevention, prosecution, and community support is needed to truly address the root of the issue.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
