Police in British Columbia are actively pursuing those involved in extorting businesses and individuals, as confirmed by RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer. He emphasized the importance of residents not taking matters into their own hands during a press briefing held on Tuesday. This statement followed the recent report from Surrey police, detailing the 35th suspected extortion incident of 2026, where a business was shot at in the early hours of the morning.
The situation escalated after an extortion-related shooting in Surrey over the weekend, where individuals targeted in the incident allegedly attempted to retaliate. Surrey, the second most populous city in British Columbia, experienced a total of 132 extortion attempts in 2025, with 49 of them involving shootings, as reported by local authorities.
When questioned about the state of public safety in Surrey, Brewer expressed emotional concern but clarified that there is no crisis. He highlighted the pressing issue of toxic drugs while acknowledging the rise in extortion-related shootings in 2026. Brewer assured that law enforcement is actively pursuing the extortionists and will bring them to justice or deport them, leaving no place for them to hide.
Extortion cases in British Columbia have predominantly affected South Asian communities, with threats and demands for money being common. The formation of a provincial task force in mid-September aimed to address these crimes collaboratively with various law enforcement agencies. Although the task force does not intervene in every extortion case, it has been actively handling numerous files across the Lower Mainland since September 17, 2025.
As of now, the task force has processed 32 cases, obtained judicial authorizations, and charged seven individuals, some of whom are Canadian citizens. Additionally, collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency has led to the investigation of foreign nationals linked to potential immigration offenses. Notably, nine individuals have been deported from Canada as a result of these efforts.
Brewer emphasized the complexity of extortion investigations in British Columbia, involving multiple groups conducting such criminal activities. Despite the challenges, he assured that law enforcement is dedicated to addressing these issues diligently and thoroughly. Brewer urged the public to allow the police to handle these cases professionally, emphasizing the risks associated with taking matters into one’s own hands in such situations.