The Abbotsford Police Department has unveiled a powerful new video to dissuade individuals from getting involved in extortion-related violence and shed light on the severe consequences of criminal recruitment.
In an effort to showcase the harsh realities of extortion-related crimes, the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) has launched a video emphasizing the immediate and lasting impacts of engaging in such illegal activities. The video aims to educate the public about the available support for individuals looking to break away from criminal lifestyles.
The video introduces viewers to Project Disengage, an initiative by AbbyPD that offers assistance to those caught up in extortion-related violence, connecting them with essential support services and resources to help them transition out of criminal behavior.
Project Disengage, initiated in December 2025 with backing from the provincial government, focuses on early intervention strategies and empowering participants to distance themselves from criminal activities while striving for safer and more positive futures.
AbbyPD Chief Constable Colin Watson reiterated that the video forms part of the department’s comprehensive approach to combat extortion-related violence through various means, including enforcement, investigations, community involvement, and preventive measures.
Emphasizing the importance of awareness and support, Watson highlighted the goal of Project Disengage in guiding individuals away from the risks associated with criminal pressures towards a pathway free from violence and towards a safer community.
Nina Krieger, Public Safety and Solicitor General, emphasized the detrimental impact of extortion-related crimes on families, businesses, and communities statewide. She underscored the province’s unwavering commitment to assisting law enforcement agencies in addressing these crimes and ensuring community safety.
Krieger noted that programs like Project Disengage play a crucial role in the broader provincial efforts to combat extortion, working in tandem with initiatives such as the BC Extortion Task Force and the Advisory Group on Extortion. By preventing future criminal activities and promoting community safety, these programs contribute significantly to creating a safer environment for all.
