Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to the B.C. RCMP announcing new supports to strengthen ongoing extortion investigations in British Columbia:

“I welcome today’s announcement from the B.C. RCMP as it marks another significant step forward in strengthening our efforts to bring extortion violence to an end. The addition of B.C. RCMP resources to support the B.C. extortion task force will enhance ongoing investigations and work to further deter future violence through high-visibility patrols and proactive policing techniques across all affected areas.

“These extortion crimes are the number 1 public-safety priority of our government right now. Extortion is a serious crime that is hurting people, businesses and communities across Canada. It has international dimensions that are having a disproportionate effect on our South Asian community in B.C. This is why it’s essential we have a cross-jurisdictional approach to this issue.

“Under the leadership of the B.C. RCMP, the B.C. extortion task force is the first co-ordinated extortion model in Canada and one of the largest task forces in B.C. history. It brings together all levels of policing, including the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CSFEU), Abbotsford Police Department, Delta Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Surrey Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

“Together, they are moving forward with investigations, leading to seven arrests and various charges laid, and most recently, the removal of three individuals from Canada by the CBSA, which has 78 foreign nationals under investigation who may be inadmissible to Canada.

“While progress continues to be made, I know how frustrating it is for people, especially those who have been targeted, to wait for these investigations to show results.

“We will continue to send a strong message that B.C. is providing law enforcement with the tools it needs and that all levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – are working together to ensure accountability through arrests, charges, convictions and where appropriate, removals.

“I urge people with information about an extortion attempt to contact their police or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers. I also want to acknowledge and thank those who already have come forward to share information or to report extortion attempts. Their courage is making a real difference and helping police hold these criminals accountable.”

Learn More:

• RCMP announcement:
  https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/news/2025/11/rcmp-surge-resources-support-extortion-suppression-and-enforcement
• Help is available through the Province’s Crime Victim Assistance Program, which can include access to counselling and protective measures here:
  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