Police and local leaders now face rising pressure to address the surge of extortion threats frightening many in the South Asian community. CTV
Border officials have launched investigations into 96 foreign nationals as part of a growing probe into extortion attempts targeting B.C.’s South Asian community. The B.C. Extortion Task Force confirmed the numbers Friday and said border agents already removed five individuals from Canada.
Officials say immigration enforcement teams play a central role in the ongoing work. They assist with search warrants, investigate possible violations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and share information with police partners. The task force says the 96 people under review “may be inadmissible” to Canada.
According to the release, “The CBSA has a legal obligation to remove as quickly as possible all foreign nationals found to be inadmissible to Canada under the IRPA.”
Early Morning Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
Investigators executed a search warrant Friday morning at a home in the Lower Mainland. Members of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team supported the operation. Officers arrested several people inside the residence and seized items believed to be relevant to the probe.
The task force offered no details about what investigators found, where the home is located or how many people were arrested. Officials say the limited information protects active files. They note that many arrests and warrants linked to this case remain unannounced for the same reason.
The release states, “Making arrests and conducting search warrants are an integral part of our investigations but are only one of the many tools being used by investigators.” Officials emphasize that the wider investigation focuses on linking files, identifying suspects, and coordinating with police across Canada.
International Links Under Examination
Investigators say they stay in contact with international partners, including police in Delhi. Officers there claim to have arrested the “prime conspirator” behind extortion-related shootings at a Surrey café. Delhi police identified the man as 28-year-old Bandhu Maan Singh Sekhon and say he fled B.C. after police arrested several of his associates.
The B.C. task force has not confirmed those details. They say they continue to review any possible connection between the Delhi arrest and the ongoing B.C. cases. B.C. RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer said investigators remain cautious with information but stressed that progress continues.
“Our investigations are intelligence-led and evidence-based, and we encourage anyone with information about these crimes to report them to your local police,” he said.
Police Urge Victims to Come Forward
Officials say the extortion attempts continue to affect families and businesses across the province. They urge anyone targeted to contact police immediately, save all evidence and avoid answering threats or meeting demands. Police say cooperation from the community remains essential as investigators map out networks and group activity linked to the crime series.
