Police in British Columbia are actively pursuing individuals extorting businesses and residents, as stated by RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer. He emphasized that residents should not take matters into their own hands. Brewer addressed reporters following the 35th suspected extortion case in Surrey for 2026, where a business was shot at. This incident occurred after individuals targeted in an extortion-related shooting attempted to retaliate.
Surrey, the second largest city in B.C. by population, experienced 132 extortion attempts in 2025, with 49 involving shootings, according to local police. Brewer, responding to questions about public safety control in Surrey, refuted claims of a crisis but acknowledged the seriousness of the extortion threat. He noted an increase in extortion-related shootings in 2026 and assured that police are actively pursuing the extortionists, vowing to apprehend them and bring them to justice.
Extortion cases in B.C. have predominantly affected South Asian communities, with individuals receiving threats and monetary demands. Municipalities such as Surrey, Delta, and Abbotsford have been disproportionately impacted. A provincial task force, established in mid-September, collaborates with RCMP, municipal police, transit police, and the Canada Border Services Agency to address these cases.
Since its inception, the task force has handled 32 files across the Lower Mainland, securing judicial authorizations, approving charges against seven individuals, and investigating foreign nationals potentially inadmissible to Canada. Nine individuals have been deported thus far. Brewer highlighted the complexity of extortion investigations involving multiple groups and emphasized the thoroughness of police procedures to ensure successful prosecutions.
Brewer cautioned against vigilante actions in response to extortion incidents, urging the public to allow law enforcement to handle the situations. He emphasized the risks associated with taking matters into one’s own hands and reiterated the importance of letting the police conduct their investigations uninterrupted.