June 17, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The simmering frustration within Surrey’s South Asian business community boiled over this past weekend at a public safety forum, where victims of an escalating extortion crisis voiced their concerns.
MLA Elenore Sturko, the Official Opposition Critic for the Solicitor General and Public Safety claimed that instead of offering reassurance and support, British Columbia’s Public Safety Minister, Garry Begg, laid blame on the community itself, admonishing them for their reluctance to come forward with information.
“At the public safety town hall in Surrey on Sunday, Garry Begg shamefully blamed the community for not providing information about these crimes,” Sturko stated. “Community members have confided in me that they are paralyzed by fear of retaliation from violent offenders who are seemingly free to roam due to the NDP-Liberal ‘catch-and-release’ system. It is hardly surprising they have lost all faith.”
This year alone, Surrey RCMP has officially confirmed a minimum of 10 extortion cases, though experts widely believe the true figure to be significantly higher, given the prevalent fear among victims. The gravity of the situation is underscored by tragic consequences: one individual has been murdered, and another business owner has resorted to paying for private security.
Sturko further elaborated on the core issue: “People are not coming forward because they have lost faith that any effective action will be taken, and critically, because they fear violent retribution.” She pointed to the telling detail that the sole public forum addressing this critical issue was organized not by the government, but by a victim, underscoring what she described as a complete abdication of responsibility.
Adding to the instability, Sturko highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding policing in Surrey. The NDP government’s $250 million transition of the city’s police force has created profound operational uncertainty. The Surrey Police Service is currently offering substantial incentives, including $25,000 signing bonuses and $2,000 recruitment incentives, to attract RCMP officers—some of whom report being actively solicited while on duty. This aggressive recruitment is further exacerbating an already strained working relationship within the city’s law enforcement landscape
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