The Canada Border Services Agency has disclosed that a group of 15 foreigners facing extortion charges have applied for refugee status in Canada.
Although the CBSA did not specify the nationalities of these individuals or provide details about their applications, Mayor Brenda Locke of Surrey expressed her dismay over the suspects’ attempt to use refugee status as a means to avoid deportation.
Mayor Locke emphasized that extortion incidents have had a significant impact on her city, stating that the residents deserve better than to witness criminals exploiting Canada’s legal and immigration systems to prolong their stay in the country.
Calling for swift justice for the extortion suspects, Mayor Locke urged the federal government to address immigration and deportation laws promptly to safeguard communities like hers, which have already experienced 106 extortion cases this year, as reported by Surrey Police Service.
While affirming Canada’s legal responsibilities regarding asylum, the CBSA noted that the Canadian law permits individuals applying for refugee status to have their cases reviewed if they meet the criteria.
However, the agency also indicated that individuals deemed ineligible for a hearing on serious grounds may have their proceedings suspended by the Refugee Board of Canada until their eligibility is determined. Those found inadmissible due to factors like serious criminality or organized crime will not have their refugee claims processed and will be instructed to leave the country.
This development regarding the refugee status of the extortion suspects was initially brought to light by Global News, amid a surge of extortion crimes and shootings in British Columbia, particularly targeting the South Asian community.