Tensions Rise as B.C. Faces Heat Over Surrey Extortion Surge
The Surrey extortion crisis has triggered political fallout, with the B.C. government facing sharp criticism for its handling of a growing wave of threats and criminal activity targeting residents—especially within the South Asian community. Opposition MLA Steve Kooner is now calling out the province’s “lack of urgency,” demanding clear action to address the escalating fear and violence gripping the city.
Kooner, MLA for Richmond–Queensborough, expressed outrage over the omission of extortion as a priority in mandate letters recently issued to Attorney General Niki Sharma and new Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger. “That’s not just an oversight, it’s an insult,” he said. “It shows how disconnected this government is from the reality people are facing.”
As of July 29, Surrey Police confirmed 26 extortion cases had been reported, though some incidents date back months and are only now being shared due to increased community outreach and awareness drives. Police say the jump in reports may be linked to public forums and a recent $100,000 provincial grant that supports a 60-day awareness campaign in English and Punjabi.
Opposition Urges Action, Government Defends Strategy
Kooner emphasized that while local law enforcement and community members are stepping up, the province is lagging behind. “Crime Stoppers is working. Victims are coming forward. Even private citizens are helping organize the community. Everyone’s doing their part—except the province,” he said.
In response, Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger maintained that the government is fully engaged in supporting law enforcement and public safety. She pointed to existing funding, including over $100 million annually dedicated to combatting organized crime and recent arrests in Surrey connected to the extortion investigations.
“The coordinated arrests of two suspects by Surrey Police, RCMP, and the Abbotsford Police Department show our collective commitment to stopping these threats,” Krieger said.
Call for Unity and Non-Partisan Approach
Despite the friction, Krieger called for political unity in the face of rising criminal threats. “Extortion is a global issue. This should not be a partisan debate. All of us must back our police and denounce these threats,” she said.
She urged victims not to remain silent, encouraging them to come forward with confidence that supports are in place. The province, she added, is working closely with federal and local agencies to build trust, strengthen policing, and deliver justice.
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