Surrey, Abbotsford, and Delta have seen more than 100 extortion incidents in 2025 alone — a wave that began quietly with text messages and phone calls, and escalated into violent shootings and arsons targeting South Asian business owners.
Police believe many of these crimes trace back to Indian networks, with local copycats following their tactics.
The Timeline of Events
October 2023 – Edmonton Show Homes Torched
A series of violent extortions and arsons targets Edmonton developers. Messages sent via WhatsApp demand huge sums from South Asian business owners.
November 2023 – The Threat Reaches B.C.
Surrey RCMP respond to gunfire at Payal Business Centre and warn of rising extortion attempts. In Edmonton, gang-linked shootings claim two lives, including that of Harry Uppal of the Brothers Keepers.
December 2023 – Gunshots and Arrests
A White Rock home is shot at, leading to arrests tied to an ongoing extortion probe. In Toronto, an Abbotsford man is arrested for firing at a business, and Peel Police form a dedicated task force.
January 2024 – Community Townhall
Hundreds gather at Surrey’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir to demand police action. Attorney General Nikki Sharma urges victims not to pay extortionists.
July 2024 – Trucking Industry Targeted
The B.C. Trucking Association reports threats against Surrey-based truck owners, including demands for hundreds of thousands under threat of arson.
August 2024 – Escalation Continues
Owners in Abbotsford report gasoline attacks and renewed threats. One victim recounts being told, “You have three days… we will kill you.”
September 2024 – Punjabi Singer’s Home Shot
Police investigate gunfire and arson at singer AP Dhillon’s Victoria home. The Bishnoi gang claims responsibility online, linking the case to Indian organized crime.
October 2024 – RCMP Connects Dots to India
Federal RCMP reveal evidence that Indian government-linked operatives are connected to extortion and violence in Canada. Suspects are arrested, while others flee abroad.
June–August 2025 – Wave Peaks
Businesses across Surrey face multiple shootings, including Kap’s Cafe, owned by actor Kapil Sharma. Molotov cocktails and stolen property deepen the sense of fear.
September 2025 – Task Force Announced
B.C. launches a 40-member provincial extortion task force with municipal police from Surrey, Abbotsford, and Delta. A $250,000 reward fund is introduced. The Bishnoi gang is officially designated a terrorist organization.
October 2025 – Arrests and First Injury
Multiple arrests are made, including suspects tied to earlier shootings. A Surrey woman becomes the first injured victim in the extortion campaign. Days later, the city requests 150 additional police officers.
November 2025 – National Crackdown
CBSA confirms investigations into 78 foreign nationals and deportation of three individuals linked to the scheme. The extortion task force continues to pursue cross-border connections.
A Crime Wave Without Borders
The investigation now spans provinces and countries, uncovering deep connections between Canada-based offenders and organized networks in India.
Authorities continue urging victims to report all threats, emphasizing cooperation over silence as the most powerful deterrent.
Source: CBC News
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