February 25, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The Government of British Columbia is ramping up its efforts to dismantle organized crime networks, calling on the federal government to fast-track legislation aimed at closing immigration loopholes currently being exploited by extortionists.
In a formal letter to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, B.C. Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger advocated for the expedited passage of Bill C-12, also known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The province argues that the reforms are vital to disrupting transnational organized crime and ensuring that foreign nationals involved in violent offenses cannot misuse the refugee system to evade justice.
“Extortion causes real fear for families and businesses in B.C., and some criminals are attempting to misuse immigration processes to evade justice,” Krieger stated. “The passage of Bill C-12 would make it harder for criminals who are foreign nationals to seek refugee status to avoid being removed from Canada. These reforms are needed to disrupt organized crime networks more effectively and keep British Columbians safe.”
The push for legislative reform comes as law enforcement agencies across the province report a troubling trend: individuals linked to extortion activities are often found to have expired visas, pending refugee claims, or non-compliant student visas. If enacted, Bill C-12 would accelerate the determination of inadmissibility and the removal of individuals with established ties to criminal networks.
Beyond enforcement, B.C. is advocating for a more robust newcomer orientation program. The goal is to ensure that those arriving in Canada fully understand national laws and public safety expectations, reducing the risk of newcomers being unknowingly recruited or exploited by criminal elements.
Simultaneously, the province’s Community Advisory Group on extortion (CAG) is launching a public engagement campaign to bridge the trust gap between police and the communities most impacted by these crimes. Residents, business owners, and community organizations are now being invited to share their experiences and suggestions through a new dedicated portal at stopextortion.ca.
Since its inception, the CAG has been facilitating high-level meetings between police leadership, victims’ families, and the B.C. Extortion Task Force. The group’s work is focused on enhancing victim supports and developing more effective community-safety strategies.
“The extortion crisis is deeply troubling for everyone in our communities, and we know people are looking for meaningful ways to be heard and to help shape the path forward,” said Paul Dadwal, chair of the Community Advisory Group. “Your experiences, concerns and ideas are essential to tackling the extortion crisis. I encourage anyone impacted to reach out to the Community Advisory Group on extortion. Your voice can help us move through this challenging time together.”
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