Project Gaslight: police release more surveillance videos of arsons, suspects
Posted June 5, 2024 3:02 pm.
Last Updated June 5, 2024 3:10 pm.
Three suspects running away from flames and sparks at a home in southwest Edmonton before a white car speeds off.
It’s one of the latest surveillance videos shared by Edmonton police as part of their Project Gaslight investigation.
BACKGROUND: Arson, extortion and ‘currency of fear’ not extinguished in Edmonton
Police are asking for help in identifying suspects connected to an arson and extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses in the city.
Investigators released six videos Wednesday – all from December 2023 – either showing a suspected arson or suspects purchasing and filling gas cans with fuel.
Authorities and experts say organized crime groups have been going after vacant, newly built and under-construction homes as part of international extortion activities with links to India. The crime wave saw dozens of homes in the Edmonton area burn down last year and into 2024.
The “Project Gaslight” extortion investigation — comprised of 10 investigators and two analysts — is a joint effort between EPS, Surrey RCMP and Peel Regional Police. The police forces are probing 34 cases across B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
Since releasing seven surveillance videos in April, Edmonton police say they executed search warrants at a home in south Edmonton and another in Beaumont
“Police seized items related to the investigation, and arrested and interviewed two suspects,” EPS Staff Sgt. David Paton said in a news release. Charges have not been laid in relation to the search warrants.
“Our recent efforts to identify suspects and collect information about their activities have been very helpful in advancing this investigation, and we are starting to get a very clear picture of the hierarchy of this group.”
Police believe the situation is being led by someone outside of Canada.
“These types of things are quite common in India, and I think it’s a tactic that they’re exploiting,” Paton said in April. “And the fact that they all kind of happened at the relatively same time was definitely interesting and it was a concern to us. But as it started to unfold, the suggestion that it’s linked to something bigger really seemed to fade away.”
All six videos can be viewed here.
Dec. 15, 2023 – Petro Canada at 351 Allard Way SW
Two male suspects, who police say they have already identified, buy and fill gas cans at a gas station. “Police are looking for any other information about the two suspects’ activities on that date.”
Dec. 15, 2023 – Cy Becker Road and 48 Street
Red car spotted near the scene of an arson the next day.
Dec. 29, 2023 – Circle K at 20010 Lessard Road
Two male suspects enter the gas station convenience store, then gather “burn material” outside at the pumps.
Dec. 29, 2023 – Esaiw Place in southwest Edmonton
White car arrives to scene of the arson. Later, three suspects run away after the fire is ignited. The same white car flees the scene. “Police are looking for any information about the suspects or the vehicle.”
