South of Fraser faces rising extortion cases and shootings in 2026. Police urge victims to report, not pay, as investigations intensify.
2026 Starts with Spike in Extortion-Linked Shootings
South of the Fraser River is off to a tense start in 2026, as police respond to a string of extortion-related shootings in Surrey and Delta. Just a week into the year, the incidents are raising alarm among residents and authorities alike.
On Jan. 7, Surrey police were called around 1:30 a.m. to a home near 123 Street and 77A Avenue after reports of gunfire. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the residence sustained damage.
“Right now, the investigation is in its early stages, but it appears connected to ongoing extortion cases in Surrey,” said Sgt. Tige Pollock of the Surrey Police Service (SPS).
Hours later, Delta police responded to another shooting just after 5 a.m. at a home near 84 Avenue and Brooke Road. Again, no injuries were reported, but authorities linked the attack to a continuing extortion investigation.
Extortion Cases on the Rise
These early 2026 incidents follow a record year for extortions in the region. In 2025, Surrey alone logged 132 reported extortion cases, with 49 involving gunfire, affecting 88 individuals.
Already this year, police are handling at least five extortion reports, including one connected to a shooting, impacting six victims, ranging from private homes to local businesses. Delta police are investigating 12 cases, seven of which occurred within the city and five involving residents in other jurisdictions.
Police Step Up Investigations
Law enforcement is ramping up efforts. “Our units are sharing intelligence, investigative techniques, and successes,” SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told 1130 NewsRadio. “We hope to announce more arrests and charges soon.”
Houghton also noted that victims—predominantly from the South Asian community—often feel pressured to pay. Police strongly discourage this. “Contact your local police department or the B.C. Extortion Task Force instead,” Houghton advised.
How Extortionists Operate
The amounts demanded vary widely, from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some criminals return to the same victims, knowing they may pay again. Copycat extortionists are also emerging, complicating investigations.
Police warn that initial contact often comes via WhatsApp or phone calls. Even if the messages seem like scams, victims should preserve them as evidence. Patrols have increased in areas with multiple incidents.
Anyone with information about extortion cases is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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