Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to seven people being charged in relation to extortion investigations this week:

The Province, B.C. RCMP and municipal police agencies are launching a specialized task force to strengthen investigations into the extortion threats targeting families and businesses in the South Asian community.

The Province is strengthening its efforts to combat human trafficking with the creation of a new, co-ordinated provincial response team.

Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, has released the following statement in response to the release of the report for the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C.:

The Province is stepping up its fight against hate-motivated offences by increasing the staffing capacity of the B.C. hate crimes unit, led by the B.C. RCMP.

In response to a rise in extortion threats against members of the South Asian community, BC Crime Stoppers is launching a digital media campaign to raise awareness and encourage reporting of extortion activity.

Communities throughout British Columbia will benefit from $7.5 million in grants supporting local initiatives aimed at preventing crime, advancing healing and enhancing public safety.