Canada Takes Unified Stand Against Extortion Targeting Indian Community
In a powerful display of cross-government unity, Canadian leaders gathered in Surrey, British Columbia, on November 28 to declare a major financial and operational war on a brazen wave of extortion that has been terrorizing the South Asian community. The summit, a direct response to over 100 police files detailing threats, shootings, and arsons, resulted in a unified pledge of $6.2 million to dismantle organized crime networks.
Funding a Multi-Pronged Attack on Crime
The financial commitment is strategically divided to tackle the crisis from several angles. A significant portion, $4 million, is allocated to expand police capacity, specifically boosting the B.C. Extortion Task Force. This joint operation, established in September, involves the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and local police forces like the Surrey Police Service. An additional $200,000 from the federal Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund will support investigations outside the task force's primary focus.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the extortions as an "unprecedented threat," often orchestrated by international gangs. These criminals are using social media to demand ransoms, often exceeding $50,000, from South Asian-owned businesses in sectors like construction, real estate, and hospitality.
Strengthening Borders and Supporting Victims
Border security emerged as a critical front in this fight. The CBSA revealed it is actively investigating over 250 individuals, has conducted reviews of 95 foreign nationals, and has already executed five deportations connected to the extortion rings. Many of these individuals have alleged links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirmed ongoing diplomatic discussions with New Delhi but cited privacy laws that prevent the public naming of deportees.
Recognizing the profound impact on victims, the summit also prioritized support services. $500,000 over two years from Justice Canada’s Victims Fund has been earmarked for this purpose. This funding, which will be matched by the province, will finance four new outreach workers and culturally sensitive resources, including translated safety guides in Punjabi and Hindi. This initiative aims to combat underreporting, which is often driven by cultural stigma within the community.
Investing in Youth and Community Safety
A standout initiative from the funding announcement is a $1.5 million Youth Engagement Hub in Surrey, to be run by the non-profit Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative. This program plans to mentor up to 1,000 at-risk youth through job training and counseling, with the explicit goal of steering them away from gang recruitment. The program's co-founder, Joe Calendino, hailed the investment as a "game-changer for early intervention."
The crisis has escalated dramatically, with RCMP data citing more than 40 shootings in Surrey alone this year and 75 unique victims identified. High-profile incidents, such as the October shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma’s Surrey café, have significantly heightened anxiety. The city's $250,000 reward for tips leading to a conviction was reaffirmed as a key tool for investigations.
While community advocates have welcomed the new funding, some are calling for swifter bail reforms to address repeat offenders. The Extortion Task Force is committed to issuing quarterly progress reports, providing transparency on the fight to safeguard Canada's diverse communities.
