Canadian law enforcement agencies have established a national response system to tackle the surge in extortion-related crimes targeting South Asian individuals and businesses across the country. “A nationwide alliance of various police departments across Canada is in place to help coordinate and advance a series of threat/extortion investigations underway,” announced the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Coordination and Support Team (NCST).
The formation of the NCST comes amid growing concerns over gang-related organised crime activities in Canada. British Columbia, in particular, serves as a major trans-shipment point for illegal goods, including drugs and firearms. Recent data indicates that approximately 65% of gun homicides in Toronto have links to gang activities, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The instances of extortion have also become a prominent political issue, with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre announcing measures to address the surge in such crimes, if he is elected. Poilievre’s plan includes establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences, with three years for extortion convictions and five years for those acting on behalf of gangs or organised crime. The incumbent Liberal government had in 2022 eliminated some mandatory minimum sentences through legislation, saying that was part of its commitment to fight systemic racism.
In 2020, despite representing 5% of the Canadian adult population, indigenous adults accounted for 30% of federally incarcerated inmates. In 2018-2019, Black inmates represented 7% of the federal offender population but only 3% of the Canadian population.
Statistics released in 2022, show that Canada has seen a staggering 300% rise in police-reported extortion cases in the last decade. An interesting jump in crime was witnessed during the Covid pandemic. Nationally, there were 184 gang-related homicides in 2021, the highest rate since data about gang killings was first collected 16 years ago. The majority (74%) were committed with a firearm, most often a handgun (65%).
The NCST aims to foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and international partners to combat the surge in extortion and violence plaguing the Indian diaspora.
According to RCMP superintendent Adam MacIntosh, the NCST’s primary objective is to facilitate collaboration among different police departments, allowing for the sharing of investigative progress, intelligence, and resources. The team does not aim to take over ongoing investigations but rather to provide support and coordination at a national level.
Extortion tactics typically involve contacting individuals or businesses through various means, including letters, phone calls, or social media, and demanding money under threats of violence. Law enforcement agencies have also strongly advised people against complying with these demands and encourage victims to report incidents to their local police departments immediately.
Recent incidents, such as shots fired at a business in Surrey, British Columbia, highlight the urgent need for action against extortion crimes. In the Edmonton region, there have been 34 reported occurrences of extortion, arson, and gun violence targeting the South Asian community since October last year. The arson cases targeting new or under-construction houses have been linked to extortion demands received via WhatsApp.
In Edmonton, the Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) has been actively working on Project Gaslight, addressing a series of extortion events totaling 34 occurrences in the city. Staff Sergeant Dave Paton emphasised the importance of engaging with the affected South Asian community and collaborating with regional policing counterparts to address these crimes effectively.
With the establishment of the NCST and proposed legislative measures, agencies are hoping to rein in the surge in extortion crimes nationally and ensure the safety and security of all communities across Canada.
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