Are criminal gangs made up of criminals coming here under the guise of students behind the rise in extortion and robberies targeting local Indo-Canadian businesses and are police forces aware of this factor? Last week Wednesday, a business at Payal Business Centre was robbed of allegedly thousands of dollars by thieves. And it was followed by a shooting at another business the following day. Surrey RCMP said recently that they have become aware of extortions targeting business owners throughout the Lower Mainland and is encouraging anyone who may be a victim to call police.

 By R. Paul Dhillon – Editor DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – Are criminal gangs made up of criminals coming here under the guise of students behind the rise in extortion and robberies targeting local Indo-Canadian businesses and are police forces aware of this factor?

Last week Wednesday, a business at Payal Business Centre was robbed of allegedly thousands of dollars by thieves. And it was followed by a shooting at another business the following day.

Surrey RCMP said recently that they have become aware of extortions targeting business owners throughout the Lower Mainland and is encouraging anyone who may be a victim to call police.

 “If you are a business owner in Surrey and have received any threats either directly or indirectly, we strongly encourage you to call Surrey RCMP,” says Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer Corporal Sarbjit Sangha. “It has come to our attention that some potential victims have spoken with local media and have not made police reports. In order for police to investigate these incidents, they must be reported.”

On November 22, 2023, at approximately 11:08 a.m. Surrey RCMP received the report of an armed robbery at a business located in the 8100-block of 128 Street. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

Frontline officers arrived on scene within minutes of the call, and additional officers began making patrols in surrounding areas. The suspects were not located, and based on the initial information, police believe that the suspects fled in a dark coloured pick-up truck. 

Police said the investigation is in the early stages and police are working to obtain witness statements as well as video surveillance from the area. The Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit has been engaged.

The crime spree forced even BC Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to release a statement saying recently, the Abbotsford Police Department and Surrey RCMP have reported there have been a number of attempts by organized criminals to extort money from people by threatening violence. He said violence and intimidation are not acceptable and have no place in British Columbia.

“I urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact their local police. If you believe you are being threatened or extorted, call 911 and report it to the police so they can investigate and help keep you safe.

“Our government is taking action to combat organized crime through substantial investments in enhanced enforcement initiatives. More than $100 million has been allocated to specialized enforcement and intelligence programs targeting guns, gangs and illicit drug activities this year alone.

“Reducing the harm caused by organized crime and gang violence is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. This collaboration underscores our dedication to a comprehensive approach in addressing the complex challenges posed by gangs and organized crime in our communities.”

Surrey RCMP said it is actively liaising with partner agencies throughout the Lower Mainland. 

If you are targeted in an extortion attempt, do not engage with the suspect and do not send any money, instead contact police immediately.  

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.