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:

“I want to thank all police agencies and the B.C. Extortion Task Force for their co-ordinated and tireless efforts to protect families and businesses. The recent charges laid against seven people reflect the unwavering commitment and strong collaboration among law-enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.

“These are complex investigations with international dimensions and our government remains committed to ensuring police have the tools and resources they need to move investigations forward and pursue further charges. This includes standing up the B.C. Extortion Task Force comprised of officers from multiple provincial and federal law-enforcement agencies, dedicated solely to investigating these extortion threats and protecting the public.

“Our government continues to take strong action to protect people in British Columbia from organized crime with more than $100 million invested annually into specialized enforcement and intelligence programs targeting guns, gangs and illicit drug activities. Support for victims of extortion is available through the Province’s Crime Victim Assistance Program, which can include access to counselling and protective measures.

“B.C. will continue to ensure police have the tools and resources they need. Premier David Eby’s leadership in successfully pressing the federal government to have the Bishnoi gang listed as a terrorist entity is giving police and prosecutors stronger tools to freeze assets and disrupt financing.

“If you receive an extortion threat, do not pay. Contact police or if you wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers. Every tip helps police build stronger cases to stop this violence and bring those responsible to justice.”

Quick Facts:

• An extortion investigation by the Surrey Police Service into a shooting incident on March 27, 2025, resulted in the arrest of three individuals who were charged under Sec. 244.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada for the reckless discharge of a firearm.
• A vehicle arson investigation by the B.C. Extortion Task Force led to the arrest of two individuals who were charged with arson and possession of stolen property.
• An investigation led by the Lower Mainland District Joint Force Operation into a 2024 extortion-related case resulted in charges of arson and discharge a firearm with intent against two individuals.  

Learn More:

To learn more about government’s action to combat serious and organized crime, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0040-000714

Victims and their immediate family members may be eligible for benefits to support in their recovery through the ministry’s Crime Victim Assistance Program:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits    

To locate a victim service program in your community, contact VictimLinkBC:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc