July 30, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The number of extortion-related investigations in Surrey has surged to 26, nearly tripling since early June, according to the Surrey Police Service (SPS). While the increase might appear alarming, authorities believe it largely reflects a growing willingness among victims to come forward.
The SPS launched its dedicated anti-extortion team in early June. At that time, the department had recorded 10 extortion cases for the year. That figure has since climbed to 26.
SPS Sgt. Tige Pollock told Global News in an interview that this jump doesn’t necessarily indicate a “surge” in actual incidents, noting that some reports pertain to events that may not have occurred recently. Instead, Pollock suggests it’s a positive sign that victims are feeling more comfortable engaging with law enforcement.
“There was a public forum held by some community members, the province has provided some money to Crime Stoppers for an extortion tip line, and then the Surrey Police Service has started their extortion investigation team,” Pollock explained. “I think all of those factors help people feel comfortable coming forward.”
Despite the significant rise in reported cases, there have been no specific arrests directly linked to these recent extortion investigations. However, a wave of extortion-related or suspected extortion-related shootings and other violent incidents have rattled the Lower Mainland, particularly impacting the South Asian business community.
In June, the fear intensified after 56-year-old Satwinder Sharma of Abbotsford, who had no criminal record, was fatally shot in his Surrey office. Earlier this month, the RCMP announced the arrest of two Surrey residents in connection with firearms, arson, and extortion-related offenses, though no charges have been laid against them. The business of Indian comedian Kapil Sharma was also targeted earlier this month, further highlighting the widespread nature of these threats.
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