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

Man arrested for fatal stabbing in Toronto

A man was arrested in Surrey, B-C, for his role in a fatal stabbing that happened in downtown Toronto in March. Toronto Police say an altercation between a 55-year-old and four other men resulted in the stabbing and while the man was transported to hospital, he died soon after.

Man arrested for fatal stabbing in Toronto

Shooting in Oliver

Mounties in the southern Interior of British Columbia are asking for the public's help after the body of a 29-year-old man was found. This comes after officers were called to a vineyard on the road Wednesday, where they confirmed a man was shot and killed. Police say the suspect left the scene but was found later that day at his home, where he was then arrested.

Shooting in Oliver

Man flees from U.S. police, crashes in B.C. after speeding across border

Mounties in Surrey, B.C., say a driver who fled from authorities in the U.S., sped through the Peace Arch border crossing and crashed in British Columbia is now in custody. They say RCMP responded to a report that a suspected stolen vehicle had crossed the border from Washington State around 8 p.m. Saturday.

Man flees from U.S. police, crashes in B.C. after speeding across border

Surrey RCMP need the public's help in locating missing man Kewal Singh

Kewal Singh was last seen at approximately 4:00pm on July 23, 2023 in the 8500 block of 151A Street in Surrey. He has not been seen or heard from since. It is unusual for Singh to not be in contact with his family Police and family are concerned for his health and well-being.

Surrey RCMP need the public's help in locating missing man Kewal Singh

B.C. port union to recommend settlement agreement to its members

The BC Maritime Employers Association said Friday the agreement to be presented to workers is the same one the union's caucus rejected just days ago. In a statement, the association said the deal is the proposal reached with a federal mediator and was originally agreed to by both sides on July 13.

B.C. port union to recommend settlement agreement to its members

Arrest made in suspicious death

Prince George Mounties say they've made an arrest in a suspicious death of a woman found on Tuesday. Mounties say a 22-year-old woman died during a home invasion which they believe was a targeted incident.