Surrey Mayor Urges Federal Emergency Declaration Amid Escalating Extortion Crisis
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has made a urgent appeal to the federal government in Ottawa, calling for the declaration of a federal state of emergency. This demand comes in response to a alarming surge in organized extortion crimes, with 35 incidents reported in the British Columbia city just this month alone. The mayor's motion highlights a severe and rapidly worsening crisis that is gripping the community.
A City in Fear: The Impact of Organized Crime
In her statement, Mayor Locke emphasized the profound effects of this criminal wave, stating, "The City of Surrey is experiencing an acute and escalating crisis of organized extortion, intimidation, and targeted shootings resulting in fear, trauma, and economic harm to residents and business owners." She painted a grim picture of daily life under threat, noting that residents and business owners are living in constant fear, with public safety at significant risk.
The social and economic repercussions are tangible and severe. Locke stressed the immediate need for federal intervention, saying, "The federal government needs to act now to give authorities the additional tools we need to keep our residents safe." Her call includes the deployment of more police officers and RCMP units to Surrey to bolster local law enforcement efforts.
Statistics and Patterns of the Extortion Racket
The scale of the problem is underscored by recent data. In 2025, Surrey witnessed a staggering 132 extortion attempts, with 49 of these incidents involving shots being fired at homes and businesses. This pattern of violence follows a consistent modus operandi: perpetrators first target properties with gunfire, then contact the owners to demand money under threat.
This criminal activity is not confined to Surrey alone. Dozens of similar cases have been reported in neighboring areas such as Abbotsford and Delta, indicating a broader regional issue that requires coordinated action.
Personal Accounts and Community Response
Councillor Pardeep Kooner, a lifelong resident of Surrey, shared her personal anguish over the situation. She expressed, "As a Surrey resident and a Canadian, I kind of feel like the federal laws have held us hostage … in the city that we love. It's kind of hard to move through life always looking over your shoulder." Her words reflect the deep-seated anxiety permeating the community.
While most of the extortionists are reported to be from Punjab, the victims predominantly belong to the South Asian region. A notable example is the cafe owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, which was shot at three times in 2025 since its opening in July, highlighting how even high-profile businesses are not immune to this violence.
Recent Arrests and Legal Proceedings
In a recent development, two individuals were arrested in connection with the extortion racket. Harshdeep Singh, aged 20, and Hanspreet Singh, aged 21, were taken into custody early Monday morning. Police have confirmed that both are foreign nationals, and immigration officials have been notified of their status. They are currently being held in custody until January 30, as investigations continue.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat organized crime and restore safety in Surrey. The mayor's call for a federal emergency declaration aims to mobilize resources and attention at the highest levels of government to address this pressing issue.
