Edmonton Police is investigating at least 18 incidents of extortion in the area since October 2023, and investigators believe there may be additional cases. South Asian business community have allegedly received messages through WhatsApp or social media demanding payment of a large sum. If the victim doesn’t pay, fires are set at newly built homes or show homes. In relation to these cases, 6 young men have been arrested after shootings and arsons that police say have been connected to recent extortion cases. Parminder Singh, 20, Hassan Dembil, 18, Manav Heer, 18, Ravinder Sandu, 19, and Arjun Sahnan, 19, have been arrested on firearms and arson related charges.
