Indian nationals arrested by the Extortion Task Force in connection with shootings are now seeking asylum 

December 11,2025

RED FM News Desk

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says she is shocked and deeply concerned that suspects identified by B.C.’s Extortion Task Force are claiming refugee status to avoid deportation. Surrey has been heavily affected by extortion attempts, and the city believes those responsible should face swift and strict consequences. 

The statement argues that law-abiding residents—both Canadian and international—deserve better than to see criminals misuse Canada’s legal and immigration systems to remain in the country. It calls on the federal government to urgently reform immigration and deportation laws to protect communities, saying that visitors who break the law should not be allowed to stay. 

Surrey emphasizes its pride in being a diverse city and says residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses, and neighbourhoods. The federal government, it says, must act to protect the public from international criminals and gang activity. 

Former mayor Doug McCallum is calling on the federal government to close what he describes as serious gaps in Canada’s immigration system that allow individuals accused of extortion-related crimes to delay deportation by submitting last-minute refugee claims. 

He said that the 14 Indian nationals identified by the Extortion Task Force for alleged involvement in shootings, arsons, and intimidation are immediately claiming refugee status when enforcement action begins. According to McCallum, these claims are not legitimate and end up shielding organized criminal networks from accountability. 

McCallum criticized the lengthy processing timelines, arguing that these delays allow suspects to remain in Surrey for years, potentially putting residents and business owners at further risk. He is urging the federal government to implement stricter rules to prevent individuals facing serious criminal allegations from using refugee claims to postpone removal from Canada. 

Surrey has recorded 95 extortion attempts and 44 shootings this year. McCallum warned that the current system is contributing to public safety concerns and called for decisive federal action to protect communities and restore confidence in immigration processes.