The RCMP has formed a national team to coordinate investigations and share information about extortion schemes targeting South Asian businesses in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. This team is a “nationwide alliance” of police agencies investigating extortion and violent threats that have been involved in shootings and arson. The goal of the team is to facilitate seamless information-sharing at a national level between forces including Peel Regional Police, Surrey RCMP, and the Edmonton Police Service. The team is not taking over any investigations but is rather offering support.
RCMP Supt. Adam MacIntosh is leading the team and is looking into “all similarities and motivations” behind the extortion threats, which have been linked to organized crime groups. In December, Peel Regional Police formed a task force to investigate extortion incidents in Ontario, and the Edmonton Police Service is currently looking into 34 cases in a probe known as “Project Gaslight.” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth of British Columbia has welcomed the formation of the national team, calling it an important step in combatting organized crime and extortion attempts in communities.
Extortion threats have been reported in several cities in British Columbia, including West Vancouver, White Rock, Abbotsford, and Surrey, through physical letters, phone calls, and social media apps. The extortionists demand “protection money,” mostly targeting members of the South Asian business community. Some business owners have experienced their establishments being targeted with gunfire after refusing to comply with these demands. In Ontario, a 23-year-old man from Abbotsford, B.C., was arrested in connection with extortion threats that caused safety and security concerns among community members. Edmonton police have made six arrests tied to extortion threats, shootings, and arsons, while Surrey RCMP made two arrests in December 2023 related to extortion threats but released the individuals pending charge approval by Crown prosecutors.