Former anti-gang task force officer Paul Dadwal to lead B.C.’s new Community Advisory Group on Extortion

February 4, 2026

Parteek Singh Mahal

A day after announcing to establish a Community Advisory Group on Extortion, the British Columbia government has appointed former anti-gangster task force senior officer Paul Dadwal as the Chair of the new group. The announcement underscores the province’s commitment to dismantling organized crime networks that have recently targeted local businesses and neighborhoods.

“We face a crisis caused by criminals demanding money from businesses and shooting up homes,” Eby said.

“Perhaps you are a victim, or maybe you know someone who is, or maybe you’ve heard gunshots in your neighbourhood. As a dad to three children, I know that every family needs security at home. It’s fundamental. Concerns raised by those who have received threats must be addressed urgently. Information offered by community members must be received and incorporated into investigations immediately,” he said.

“That’s why we are establishing a community advisory group on extortion to close any gap between community members and police to solve this crime.”

“Paul Dadwal will lead this group. He has years of senior police experience, including service with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia. He knows how to combat crime, as well as how to connect with a community. He will lead efforts to ensure we are exploring all ideas – related to policing, community and communication – and share them with police to ensure we fight this crime with everything we’ve got.”

“Our government will be listening, too. I want you to know that this issue is our most important public-safety priority, and we’ve ensured it’s Number 1 on the list of police and the federal government.”

Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger emphasized that the safety of Surrey and other impacted communities is the government’s top priority. The advisory group will work alongside the B.C. Extortion Task Force and local police to strengthen trust and streamline communication. To bolster these efforts, the province has successfully lobbied the federal government for increased resources, including additional police officers and enhanced RCMP helicopter support. Furthermore, a national summit of provincial police leaders is scheduled in the coming weeks to share intelligence and strategies across the country.

Beyond local enforcement, the B.C. government continues to exert pressure on Ottawa for significant legislative reforms. This includes closing loopholes within the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removal system and seeking greater transparency in identifying individuals deported for criminal activities. The Premier reassured the public that addressing the extortion crisis remains the province’s most critical public safety priority, vowing that coordinated action will continue until those responsible for the “slow-motion terror attacks” are held fully accountable.