Police say they are investigating a string of extortions targeting businesspeople in the Edmonton area's South Asian community, in which properties have been torched and shot at.
Police say they're investigating 27 events where suspects have demanded large sums of money.
Police now investigating 27 events in extortion series
— Edmonton Police (@edmontonpolice) January 18, 2024
The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public to come forward to report extortion and assist in identifying a suspect vehicle in a drive-by shooting connected to the recent extort… https://t.co/OayXWNChxk pic.twitter.com/FcLUZ6FQDe
Should those targeted not pay, police say the suspects then burn new home builds, show homes or related property.
Police say the suspects appear to know personal information of those they have targeted.
The police service says suspects have also made followup demands for more money, leading to an escalation of violence and drive-by shootings.
Police say the latest shooting involved a home last week in the Cy Becker neighbourhood, and the family inside had no record of criminal involvement.
