Surrey, B.C. – City officials have announced a $250,000 reward program aimed at combating the growing wave of extortion attempts that have largely targeted South Asian-owned businesses in Metro Vancouver.
At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey Police Service Chief Const. Norm Lipinski unveiled a dedicated tip line that will provide financial rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions in extortion cases.
“We cannot and will not let extortion take hold in our city,” Mayor Locke said at city hall.
Sharp rise in extortion threats
According to police, Surrey is currently investigating 44 extortion files along with 27 related shootings. The crimes often involve money demands made under threats of violence, leaving many local entrepreneurs and families living in fear.
Chief Const. Lipinski confirmed that the Surrey Police Service (SPS) has a specialized team working on the cases and has already identified persons of interest. He hopes the $250,000 fund will encourage community members to come forward with crucial evidence.
“This reward is intended to motivate individuals to provide specific information that leads to arrests, prosecutions, and convictions,” Lipinski explained.
How to report
Residents can report tips through:
Surrey Extortion Tip Line: 236-485-5149 (callers must identify themselves)
Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-8477
The reward money will be divided based on the value and usefulness of the information provided.
Broader fight against organized crime
The announcement follows months of escalating threats in Surrey and other Canadian cities. In 2024, the RCMP established a national extortion task force to coordinate investigations in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario, where South Asian businesses have been primary targets.
Earlier this summer, the B.C. government committed $100,000 to a 60-day public awareness campaign urging victims not to stay silent.
Despite these measures, Mayor Locke criticized higher levels of government for not doing enough to address what she described as a transnational criminal problem.
“People are living in fear in our city, and this is not good enough,” Locke said. “We need more support from both federal and provincial governments.”
Police urge victims not to pay
Lipinski stressed that business owners should never give in to extortion demands. Instead, he urged them to preserve evidence—such as threatening emails or phone recordings—and work with police to ensure their safety.
“I really feel for the people of Surrey and the victims who have families,” he said. “Even a small piece of information could lead to a major breakthrough.”
The SPS has been actively investigating the cases since June and continues to collaborate with national and provincial agencies to curb organized crime activity in the region.
