More than 100 extortion cases have been reported in Surrey this year, according to police 

November 18,2025

RED FM News Desk

The Surrey Police Service has received more than 100 extortion reports so far this year. As of Tuesday, the SPS is investigating 101 extortion files involving 74 victims, and says 44 of the cases are connected to shootings. 

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko calls the numbers “disturbing,” adding that several victims being targeted multiple times reflects a failure by Provincial Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Nina Krieger. 

“I think we’re well past the crisis stage, and I believe we are in a state of emergency,” Sturko said. 

Last week, the BC RCMP announced it would boost resources for the province’s Extortion Task Force, adding emergency response teams, police dogs, specialized units, and other support. 

Sturko is pushing for stronger commitments and a major increase in police presence across Surrey. 

She says responsibility falls on the provincial government and on Krieger. “It’s their basic job to ensure people can sleep safely in their beds without being struck by gunfire — that businesses aren’t facing bullets and Molotov cocktails through their windows,” she said. 

She argues the current situation stems from inadequate planning during the transition from RCMP policing to the Surrey Police Service last year. 

Both the B.C. government and the SPS have created dedicated task forces to tackle extortion. In July, the province also launched a 60-day awareness campaign to educate the public on recognizing and reporting extortion attempts. 

Meanwhile, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke announced the creation of an extortion tip line and a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions.