July 3, 2025
Gagandeep Singh
Surrey, BC – Two Surrey residents have been arrested as part of an extensive ongoing investigation into a wave of violent extortion cases targeting members of the South Asian business community across the Lower Mainland.
On July 3, 2025, RCMP arrested the two suspects for offenses including careless discharge of a firearm and arson. These charges are linked to incidents that occurred in 2024 in Surrey. Both individuals are also under investigation for their potential involvement in a broader extortion network that police believe has been operating since late 2023.
RCMP have now confirmed the existence of an ongoing Joint Force Operation (JFO), launched in January 2025, in response to the growing number of extortion-related incidents. The JFO is comprised of officers and experts from the RCMP Lower Mainland District, Surrey RCMP, Abbotsford Police Department, RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region, and the BC RCMP Major Crime Section. The Surrey Police Service has also contributed a civilian criminal analyst to the task force.
The extortion scheme has involved threats, demands for money, and in many cases, escalating violence when victims failed to comply. Several reports detail incidents of property damage and arson targeting local businesses and homes.
Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, Assistant District Commander of the RCMP Lower Mainland District, emphasized the strategic and coordinated effort behind the arrests.
“These arrests are reflective of a shared commitment amongst law enforcement to coordinate efforts, leverage regional resources, and gather the necessary evidence to pursue criminal charges,” said Pound. “These investigations take time, but we want the public to know that police agencies across the Lower Mainland are prioritizing these files and working together to hold those responsible accountable.”
The JFO continues to collaborate with national and international policing partners, including the RCMP National Coordination and Support Team, to secure further evidence and intelligence in this multi-layered investigation.
Police are urging anyone who has been targeted by extortionists to come forward. “Do not comply with demands,” authorities warn. “Save all correspondence and report the incident to your local police immediately.”
Red FM will continue to follow developments in this ongoing investigation.
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