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

VPD release suspect photo in assault

Vancouver police have released a photo of a man who they say assaulted a woman and then pointed a gun at a group of people at a SkyTrain station in late August. Police say officers who responded to the incident the evening of August 24th were unable to locate the man or the victims.

VPD release suspect photo in assault

Runaway barge floats in English Bay

People in Vancouver may have experienced déjà vu this weekend as a runaway barge floated in waters of English Bay before it was brought under control. The empty barge had broken free of its mooring buoy and a video posted to YouTube shows it floating just a few metres away from shore yesterday.

Runaway barge floats in English Bay

Premier David Eby marks Transgender Day of Remembrance in BC

B-C Premier David Eby is marking the Transgender Day of Remembrance with a statement promising to recommit to the fight against transphobia and other hate-driven violence. Eby says the province is raising the transgender flag on the legislature lawn today in support of the community.

Premier David Eby marks Transgender Day of Remembrance in BC

Did you lose half a kilogram of cocaine? Police in B.C. would like to help

Police in Mission say they are seeking the owner of half a kilogram of cocaine that was hidden in a public restroom's ceiling and anyone who wants to claim the drugs should bring "proof of purchase." RCMP Cpl. Harrison Mohr says officers will be happy to set up an interview at the owner's convenience.

Did you lose half a kilogram of cocaine? Police in B.C. would like to help

Mayor of Surrey, B.C., announces constitutional challenge over policing

Brenda Locke, who opposes the transition, says an amended court petition will be filed today, after the city already requested a judicial review of the province's directive to proceed with the switch away from the RCMP.

Mayor of Surrey, B.C., announces constitutional challenge over policing

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh blasts Trudeau, Poilievre at B.C. convention

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost touch with the struggles of Canadians, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre only pretends to care about regular people, federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh said Sunday. Singh took political swings at his two leadership counterparts during a speech to more than 700 delegates attending the British Columbia NDP convention.