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There have been dozens of threats, and some of the associated attacks have been depicted on social media by the apparent perpetrators. But there have only been a handful of arrests in B.C.
RCMP will lead the new task force, which will consist of 40 members from enforcement agencies throughout B.C. as they try to stop the extortion wave.
the task force will expand the cross-jurisdictional reach of police and support co-ordinated investigations to bring those making the threats and committing violence to justice.
Extortionists have threatened business owners and individuals across the Lower Mainland. Among the cases was a Surrey business on 80 Avenue hit by gunfire in August, in a case investigators believe was extortion related.
In July, a video filmed inside the vehicle of a shooter showed them opening fire with a handgun on Kap’s Cafe, a Surrey restaurant linked to Indian comic and television host Kapil Sharma. The business was shot up again the next month.
Such crimes have gripped communities across Canada, and some police have accused the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang of involvement, setting off a call from B.C. Premier David Eby and others to have the gang declared a terrorist organization.
The mayor of Surrey announced a $250,000 reward fund on Monday for information leading to convictions for the extortions in that city where police say they’re investigating 44 such cases, including 27 that involved shootings.
