British Columbia politicians are continuing to push for stronger measures to address the escalating extortion crimes affecting South Asian communities in the Lower Mainland. Premier David Eby, speaking at a premiers’ meeting in Ottawa, likened the situation in Surrey to a slow-motion terror attack. He urged federal lawmakers to enact legislation that includes harsher penalties for extortion-related offenses, emphasizing the need to prevent foreign nationals accused of extortion from seeking refugee status in Canada.
Eby’s remarks follow a recent call by the City of Surrey for Ottawa to declare a state of emergency in response to the extortion crisis. Mayor Brenda Locke expressed deep concern over the fear and trauma experienced by residents due to the increasing incidents of extortion. The Surrey police are currently investigating 36 reported cases of extortion this month, with nearly 50 extortion-related shootings at homes and businesses documented last year.
In response to the escalating crisis, the federal government announced plans to dispatch up to 20 additional RCMP officers and deploy two helicopters to address the situation. However, Surrey city councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis emphasized the need for more resources, advocating for a greater police presence and increased visibility in high-risk neighborhoods through initiatives like roadside checks.
Annis also called for the hiring of an additional 300 Surrey police officers over the next four years and proposed establishing a new municipal police training facility in the city. Liberal MP Gurbux Saini echoed the sentiment, stating that 20 police officers are insufficient, suggesting a need for a larger deployment to effectively combat the issue.
Criminologist Wade Deisman of the University of the Fraser Valley highlighted the severity of the extortion crimes, labeling it a public safety crisis that demands urgent attention. He expressed skepticism about the immediate impact of the 20 additional RCMP officers, stressing the importance of ensuring that those engaging in extortion activities are brought to justice effectively.
Deisman raised concerns about the potential involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in the extortion cases and called for a coordinated national response to address the issue comprehensively. He underscored the importance of community involvement, particularly from local businesses, in combating extortion and fostering a collective stance against intimidation.
Overall, the situation demands a multifaceted response involving legislative action, law enforcement efforts, and community engagement to effectively address the escalating extortion crisis in the region.
