Punjabi businessmen in Canada face extortion threats, Police offer ₹2 crore reward for info

Surrey (The Uttam Hindu): Extortion cases targeting Punjabi businessmen and local businesses have created a stir in the Surrey city of British Columbia province of Canada. In view of the increase in incidents of extortion and related violence in recent months, Surrey Police has taken a special step. Keeping in mind the safety of the Punjabi community, the police has issued an official advisory especially in Punjabi language. Police say that the criminals are resorting to letters, phone calls, text messages and social media for extortion, for which several agencies are working together to investigate.

Historic reward for apprehending the culprits

To curb this crime, the City of Surrey has released a large fund. The administration has announced a reward of $250,000, or over Rs 2 crore, for those providing crucial information. According to the police, anyone providing concrete information that leads to the conviction of the perpetrators could receive a reward of up to $100,000. This is believed to be one of the largest police rewards in Canadian history. Surrey Police Services has also launched a dedicated helpline, the "Surrey Extortion Tip Line" (236-485-5149), which can be accessed seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Task force and 'Project Assurance' deployed for investigation

Surrey police have formed a special task force of 15 officers and civilian employees to investigate extortion cases. This team includes officers from other investigative agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency. Furthermore, police have established a patrol team called "Project Assurance," which conducts daily patrols in areas frequently targeted by criminals. Surrey police have also held meetings with officers from other cities, such as Edmonton and Peel Region, to share intelligence and help prevent these crimes from operating interprovincially.

What to do and what not to do if you are threatened

In its advisory, the police have clearly instructed citizens that if they receive extortion threats through any medium, they should not panic and should not give any money to the criminals. Victims have been advised not to interact with the criminals in any way and to preserve all messages, voicemails or letters received as evidence. In case of any threat, immediately contact the police number 604-599-0502 or dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency. Apart from this, 'Victim Services' can also be contacted for help. The police have appealed to the people to register their security cameras in 'Project Iris' so that the video footage can help in the investigation.

Growing political demand to deport gangsters

The ever-increasing violence and extortion cases in Canada have now taken a political turn. Opposition parties have begun pressuring the government after the alleged involvement of Indian-origin gangsters and separatist elements in these incidents. From the Canadian Parliament to the streets, calls for the deportation of these gangsters have intensified. Police are also investigating whether these threats are linked to any internationally active gangs.