Canadian Communities Targeted in Cross-Border Extortion, Suspect Arrested
Surrey, B.C. — A U.S. man now faces criminal charges for threatening Canadians with violence tied to alleged extortion schemes.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police and U.S. authorities say the suspect made threats including “You’re going to die in Canada.”
The charges come amid a wider effort to tackle extortion and gang violence affecting communities in British Columbia and beyond.
Investigators believe these threats form part of a broader pattern of intimidation linked to organized crime groups operating internationally.
Threats and Extortion in Canada
Police have seen an increase in extortion cases targeted at business owners and individuals, especially within South Asian communities.
Many victims report threats demanding large sums of money under the threat of violence.
Some threats escalate to shootings and property damage when demands go unmet.
In response, authorities have launched specialized task forces to investigate extortion and related violence.
British Columbia’s Public Safety Minister said intelligence linked many cases to the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Officials have asked Ottawa to designate the group as a terrorist entity to give police more legal tools.
Political and Community Response
Political leaders from across Canada have called for tougher action against international extortion networks.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged the federal government to classify the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization to help law enforcement.
Similar calls have come from provincial leaders seeking stronger legal powers to freeze assets and disrupt criminal networks.
The move would also help prosecutors pursue charges against those involved in extortion and related violence.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety Efforts
Police continue to work with international partners, including U.S. agencies, to track suspects and gather evidence.
The Canadian Border Services Agency and the B.C. Extortion Task Force share intelligence to identify and arrest individuals linked to threats.
Authorities encourage anyone who receives extortion threats not to pay and to report them to local police.
Officials stress that public cooperation is essential in stopping these criminal activities and ensuring community safety.
