Edmonton police investigating 27 extortion-related incidents against South Asian community
Posted January 18, 2024 10:32 am.
Last Updated January 18, 2024 2:13 pm.
Edmonton police are urging the public to come and report possibly incidents of extortion as officers are currently investigating 27 events that have affected the South Asian community.
The EPS says since October, there have been five extortion, 15 arsons, and seven gun-related offences that they believe have been orchestrated from India, where people have demanded money from homebuilders in exchange for protection. Should those targeted not pay, police said their new home builds, show homes or related property are then burned.
“The amount of property damage as a result of the arsons and shootings is estimated to be at least $9 million,” Insp. Lance Parker said at a news conference Thursday.
“At this time, we believe (it) has been committed by a group of local individuals being directed by a suspect in India.”
One of the most recent incidents was a house fire in Beaumont on Jan. 16.
READ MORE: Police investigating if fire at new home in Beaumont is arson
“There is absolutely a level of brazenness about it. It’s definitely concerning, given the fact that we’ve actually charged people,” Staff Sgt. David Paton said during Thursday’s news conference.
“The investigation is just now really starting to take shape and really starting to get going, so we’ll see where that takes us in the near future.”
The EPS notes that no injuries have been reported from the shootings, however, a firefighter was injured in one of the arsons.
Roughly $9 million in damages is believed to have been reported as a result of the arsons and shootings.
Police announced earlier this month that they had arrested and charged six young males with firearms and arson-related offences. One remains in custody and one has since fled the country, police said on Thursday.
At the time, police confirmed they were investigating at least 18 suspected cases of extortion. They said people would connect with business owners from the South Asian community using WhatsApp, an instant messaging service, to demand large sums of money. In some cases, they would appear to have knowledge of the victim’s personal information, such as family members, vehicles and lifestyle patterns, police have said.
Edmonton police have also said people have made followup demands for more money, leading to an escalation of violence and drive-by shootings.
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Police are also asking the public for help in identifying a suspect in a drive-by shooting that happened on Jan. 10, that is believed to be connected to the extortions.
Around 1:10 a.m. on Jan. 10, police say someone within a vehicle shot into a Cy Becker residence occupied by a family with children. Police say no one in the home was hit, however, bullets were recovered inside.
Police say this is the second time the home has been targeted in connection to the extortions.
“We would like to see more information coming from the community,” he said. “We understand why they would maybe be reluctant, but I think it’s important that they do come forward and they do present us with as much information as possible to assist us with this investigation.”
Anyone who has received a treat or with any information is asked to contact investigators or 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Police also ask when calling, to reference file #23-802638.
“We would like to see more information coming from the community,” he said. “We understand why they would maybe be reluctant, but I think it’s important that they do come forward and they do present us with as much information as possible to assist us with this investigation.”
-With files from the Canadian Press
