The provincial government is set to unveil a new initiative on Wednesday afternoon aimed at combating extortion crimes impacting the South Asian community in Surrey and other cities across British Columbia.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger, accompanied by local law enforcement officials and representatives from Crime Stoppers BC, will make the announcement at a press conference outside a Surrey RCMP office at 1 p.m.
Having assumed her role in July, Krieger follows in the footsteps of former public safety minister Garry Begg, who spearheaded a $100,000 awareness campaign focusing on detecting and reporting extortion threats. This initiative is designed to empower individuals, business owners, and families with the knowledge needed to stay safe and vigilant.
In a recent development, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke unveiled a fund for residents who provide information leading to the conviction of extortion perpetrators. Informants stand to receive up to $250,000 collectively, based on the value of the shared information.
The Surrey Police Service is actively investigating 44 extortion cases, including 27 incidents involving gun violence.
Local officials, including Mayor Locke, are urging both provincial and federal governments to take more decisive action in tackling these crimes.
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