Surrey Police report 26 extortion cases, some historical. Officials link rise to increased awareness efforts and Crime Stoppers funding.
Surge in Extortion Cases Reported to Surrey Police
Surrey has seen a concerning rise in reported extortion cases, with 26 incidents logged as of July 29, according to Surrey Police. While some of these reports reflect current offences, several involve incidents that occurred in previous years, police confirmed. Officials believe community forums and recent outreach have encouraged more victims to come forward.
Community Engagement and Provincial Funding Fuel Awareness
Sgt. Tige Pollock, media relations officer with Surrey Police, attributed the uptick in part to public education and renewed community engagement. A significant factor has been the province’s June 26 commitment of $100,000 to Crime Stoppers B.C. to launch a 60-day “extortion awareness campaign.” The bilingual campaign, conducted in English and Punjabi, includes digital, print, and social media ads aiming to break the silence around extortion crimes.
Underreporting Still a Concern, Say Police Chiefs
Despite the apparent surge in reports, Surrey Police Service (SPS) Chief Constable Norm Lipinski emphasized during the June news conference that the true scale of the crime is likely larger. He noted only 12 confirmed extortion cases since January 2025, suggesting that many incidents remain unreported. “We believe this is a significantly under-reported crime,” Lipinski said.
Arrests Made but Investigations Ongoing
Two suspects under investigation for extortion were arrested on July 3 in connection with firearm and arson offences tied to 2024 incidents in Surrey. While the individuals were released pending further investigation, police stress that efforts to dismantle extortion networks are ongoing.
Public Forums Spark Dialogue and Solidarity
Local businessman Satish Kumar, whose business was the target of two recent extortion-related shootings, hosted a public safety forum on June 15. The event aimed to foster community dialogue and share vital safety information, further supporting police efforts to bring these cases to light.
Series of Violent Incidents Raise Red Flags
Several high-profile shootings this year are being probed as part of extortion investigations. Notably, two incidents occurred at a residence in Panorama Ridge on May 13 and May 25. Although not all incidents have been officially linked to extortion, the June 11 fatal shooting of Abbotsford resident Satwinder Sharma is suspected by some, including Kumar, to be related. Police, however, have not confirmed this claim.
Other cases, including shootings at Kap’s Café on July 10 and at the Royal King Banquet Hall on July 21, remain under investigation without confirmation of a connection to extortion.
A Call for Continued Vigilance
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity or extortion threats. With ongoing outreach, increased provincial support, and growing community involvement, police hope to reduce stigma and empower more victims to come forward.
If you have information related to these crimes, contact Surrey Police or leave an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers.
