A troubling trend of extortion cases in Surrey, south of the Fraser River, has taken a new turn. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has revealed that there have been a staggering 106 extortion cases in the city, with 44 of them connected to shootings. What’s even more concerning is that 76 victims have been repeatedly targeted, some facing threats multiple times.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of SPS shared that in some instances, victims are approached with demands and threatened again if they refuse to comply. This cycle of intimidation can occur days, weeks, or even months apart, especially targeting business owners. Among the high-profile cases is Kap’s Café, associated with Bollywood star Kapil Sharma, which has been repeatedly attacked, leading to extensive closures for repairs.
Houghton emphasized the importance of not giving in to criminals’ demands, even if they have been paid off before. The extorted amounts can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, varying based on the victim and business involved. The SPS is actively investigating how victims are transferring money to the criminals.
Instead of succumbing to pressure, Houghton urged people to contact the police for assistance in devising safety plans. With fears escalating within the South Asian community, the primary target of these crimes, the SPS is working diligently to address concerns and ensure community safety. Houghton highlighted the distress and heightened emotions prevalent among victims and community members, emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, the SPS cautioned about potential copycats seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain. The initial contact with victims typically occurs through WhatsApp or phone calls, with Houghton advising individuals to report any suspicious communications to the authorities for investigation purposes.
In response to the escalating incidents, the police have ramped up patrols in key areas of Surrey to deter criminal activities. Moving forward, the SPS aims to make further arrests and lay charges in the coming year to address the extortion wave plaguing the community.