Extortion Crimes on the Rise in Canada: Police Forces Unite to Combat the Threat
Law enforcement agencies from Peel Region, the RCMP, Calgary, and Surrey convened in British Columbia this week to address the escalating wave of extortion crimes that are plaguing specific communities nationwide. Extortion incidents, including drive-by shootings, arson, and even murder, have been on the rise, prompting concerns about the safety and security of residents.
In Peel Region, there has been a sharp increase in extortion incidents targeting the South Asian community, with hundreds of reported cases over the past few years. To combat this growing issue, Peel police established an extortion task force that has already laid over 340 charges, yet many cases still go unreported or unsolved, leading some community members to consider leaving the region and even the country.
One victim, Dharmjit, shared his harrowing experience of being targeted by extortionists who resorted to violence when he refused to comply with their demands. Despite police investigations, the perpetrators continue to pose a threat, forcing Dharmjit and his family to consider leaving their home for safety reasons.
The ongoing summit in British Columbia aims to address the challenges posed by extortion crimes, which have national and international implications. While some incidents have been linked to organized crime groups like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich emphasized the complexity of investigating and combating these crimes.
Milinovich highlighted the obstacles faced by law enforcement, including under-reporting due to fear, delays in obtaining court permissions for evidence access, and lenient judicial outcomes that fail to deter offenders. Despite these challenges, Peel’s task force is ramping up efforts to crack down on extortionists and prevent further crimes in the region.
As communities grapple with the increasing threat of extortion, individuals like Dharmjit and his neighbors are left feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety. With cases reported in various cities across the country, law enforcement agencies are striving to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety of residents.