National

Edmonton police investigate extortions, arsons targeting South Asian community

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Jan, 2024 10:52 AM

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

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
— Edmonton Police (@edmontonpolice) January 18, 2024

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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. sets housing targets for 10 municipalities, urges immediate federal support

The British Columbia government has set out its first set of targets for thousands of new homes to be built in 10 cities or municipalities in an effort to chip away at the provincial housing crisis. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced Tuesday the communities, located mostly within the Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria regions, will have five years to deliver on the new housing-unit goals set out in the plan.

B.C. sets housing targets for 10 municipalities, urges immediate federal support

Weather advisories lifted after first B.C. storm of the season

Wind warnings have been lifted in most areas of British Columbia, while high water advisories remain up for Vancouver Island and the southwest coast after the first major storm of the fall swept through. Environment Canada has taken down the wind warnings for coastal B.C. for all areas accept Haida Gwaii, where it says winds of 90 kilometres per hour, gusting to 110, are expected to ease by Tuesday.

Weather advisories lifted after first B.C. storm of the season

After briefing on intel, Singh says 'clear evidence' India involved in B.C. killing

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he received an intelligence briefing about allegations that the Indian government could be behind the killing of a Sikh leader in British Columbia. Singh says after learning more information, he can "confirm" that "clear evidence" of India's involvement exists.

After briefing on intel, Singh says 'clear evidence' India involved in B.C. killing

House Speaker Anthony Rota resigns over honouring man who fought for Nazis

Government House leader Karina Gould said earlier Tuesday that members of Parliament had lost confidence in Rota, the Liberal MP for the northern Ontario riding of Nipissing-Timiskaming. During his resignation speech, Rota reiterated his "profound regret" for recognizing 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, a veteran of the First Ukrainian Division, last Friday in the House of Commons. Hunka lives in his riding.

House Speaker Anthony Rota resigns over honouring man who fought for Nazis

Liberals, Tories join calls for House Speaker to resign over Nazi veteran invite

House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota is facing calls to step down from across the political spectrum after he invited a man who fought for the Nazis to attend a speech by Ukraine's president, in what senior Canadian politicians are calling an international embarrassment. Government House leader Karina Gould said Tuesday morning that she believes members of Parliament have lost confidence in Rota and he should do the "honourable thing."

Liberals, Tories join calls for House Speaker to resign over Nazi veteran invite

Helicopter crashes in central B.C., multiple people on board: RCMP

A helicopter has crashed in a forested area east of Prince George, B.C., with multiple people on board, RCMP say. Cpl. Jennifer Cooper with the Prince George RCMP said Tuesday emergency crews have gathered at the site where the chopper went down near Purden Ski Hill off Highway 16.