Edmonton mayor calls on Ottawa to address extortions of South Asian community

Edmonton’s mayor is calling the current string of extortion incidents against the South Asian community unacceptable.

In a social media post Friday afternoon, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said, “It is unacceptable that organized criminals can use fear and violence to extort members of our community.”

Letter to Minister LeBlanc Extortion Threats January 19, 2024 on Scribd

The mayor went on to say that every single business across Canada should be able to conduct their business without fear and intimidation.

“I have spoken with my counterparts in the Edmonton Metro Region as it has become clear that this issue is impacting communities across the region as well as across the country,” said Sohi. “I have written to the federal government requesting immediate action.”

Sohi says his call comes amid a recent rise in extortion incidents that have led to several arsons and shootings.

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He notes he has been in contact with affected businesses, the City Manager, and the Chief of Police regarding the incidents.

“It is imperative that we strengthen coordination between all federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies across Canada. Due to the connection with international organized crime, and the instances of extortion across the country, the federal government must take immediate action and lead a coordinated response,” said Sohi.