14.34°C Vancouver

Jun 13, 2025 7:30 PM - Connect Newsroom

Over the past six months, there have been 10 reports of extortion in Surrey

Share On
over-the-past-six-months-there-have-been-10-reports-of-extortion-in-surrey
SPS will attend Sunday’s public safety forum at Reflections Banquet Hall, which is being organized by individuals from Surrey’s South Asian community.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Following a number of extortions being reported to police in Surrey, Surrey Police Service (SPS) and the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) are working to advance these investigations and determine any linkages. SPS and SPOSU are also meeting regularly with other regional police agencies who have similar investigations and they are in contact with the RCMP National Coordination and Support Team (NCST), which is providing national coordination and tools to help advance extortion investigations.

Numerous police agencies in Canada have reported that individuals or businesses from the South Asian community are contacted through a letter, phone calls or social media and demands for money are made under threats of violence. There are often indicators that criminal connections and activities extend well beyond the boundaries of the city itself.

Over the past six months, there have been 10 reports of extortion in Surrey. SPS and SPOSU are working to address these files in a comprehensive and coordinated fashion that ensures intelligence is shared and all leads and investigative avenues are pursued. Investigators are also working closely with the victims of these crimes to provide support and updates.

In addition, SPS has stood up its own Extortion Investigations Team which has dedicated resources to respond to and investigate all reported extortions in the Newton and Whalley/City Centre areas of Surrey, where SPS is currently leading police operations (SPOSU leads operations in Surrey’s other policing districts at this point in the policing transition). This team will allow SPS to respond to local incidents with investigative expertise, while also sharing intelligence and assisting policing partners in larger scale investigations. SPS has also increased patrols in a number of business areas.

SPS will attend Sunday’s public safety forum at Reflections Banquet Hall, which is being organized by individuals from Surrey’s South Asian community.

“It is critical to all of us at Surrey Police Service that we tackle this trend of extortions head on, with significant police resources and intelligence led investigative work,” said SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “It is equally important that we collaborate with the victims and the broader community so we can deal with this issue together.”

As with all criminal activity, the community plays an integral role in working to improve public safety. It remains vitally important for victims to contact police and for witnesses to come forward to provide information that can advance these important investigations.

“We are concerned there may be additional victims who have complied with extortion demands or have not reported their situation to the police,” says Chief Superintendent Wendy Mehat, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit. “We discourage anyone from responding to such demands. Officers are working to prevent these traumatizing situations and to holding those responsible to account.”

Latest news

trump-signs-new-stablecoin-regulations-into-law-a-major-milestone-for-crypto-industry
WorldJul 18, 2025

Trump signs new stablecoin regulations into law, a major milestone for crypto industry

President Donald Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, setting new regulations for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to assets like the U.S. dollar. The law, passed with bipartisan support, introduces consumer protections and aims to boost confidence in the crypto industry. On Friday, Trump called the move a step toward cementing U.S. dominance in global finance and crypto technology. A provision bans Congress members from profiting off stablecoins but excludes the president and his family. Meanwhile, the House passed two additional crypto-related bills, now heading to the Sen
investigation-underway-for-stolen-vehicle-that-crashed-into-retaining-wall
BCJul 18, 2025

Investigation underway for stolen vehicle that crashed into retaining wall

On July 17, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a collision where a stolen Grey 2004 GMC Jimmy crashed into a brick retaining wall in front of the 2600 block of Peatt Rd in Langford. The vehicle stopped short of crashing into the multi unit dwelling at this location, however, it did cause significant damage to the retaining wall and the vehicle itself. Witnesses advised that there were several suspects seen exiting the vehicle right after the crash. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying these suspects. Suspect Descriptions: Group of
canada-beat-japan-enter-semis-of-the-fiba-u-19-womens-world-cup
CanadaJul 18, 2025

Canada beat Japan, enter semis of the FIBA U-19 women's world cup

Canada's women's basketball team has entered the semifinals of the FIBA U-19 World Cup. Canada won the match played against Japan by a margin of 85-65. In this match, Syla Swords contributed 17 points for Canada in a strong performance. Jasmine Bascoe contributed 16 points in the same contest. The performance of Swords, who hails from Sudbury, Ontario, in the tournament being played in the Czech Republic has been commendable and her average per contest has been 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The Canadian team's semifinal match will be against Australia on Saturday.
federal-official-say-forecast-suggests-high-risk-of-wildfires-in-august
CanadaJul 18, 2025

Federal official say forecast suggests high risk of wildfires in August

Federal officials say the 2025 wildfire season is one of the worst on record for Canada, with a high risk of more fires in August. More than 5.5 million hectares of land have burned so far this year, more than double the 10-year average for mid-July. There are 561 fires burning, including 69 that are considered out of control, and most of them are on the Prairies. Officials say the fire risk rises throughout August and they are predicting higher than normal temperatures for most of the country next month. August is also slated to bring below-normal rainfall levels for the Prairies, B.C. and th
mother-of-girl-with-rare-disease-says-nightmare-is-over-after-b-c-restores-funding
CanadaJul 18, 2025

Mother of girl with rare disease says "nightmare is over" after B.C. restores funding

The mother of a 10-year-old Vancouver Island girl who has an extremely rare disease says the "nightmare is over" after the government restored funding for her daughter's drug for as long as she needs it. Charleigh Pollock is the only person in B.C. to have Batten disease, and her mother Jori Fales says in a social post that she is "beyond grateful" for "all the beautiful humans that have moved mountains" for her daughter. Pollock says the "love, support, generosity, compassion, kindness and devotion" shown by supporters of her daughters are "unmatched." Health Minister Josie Osborne announced

Related News