Surrey Fights Back: A New Era of Anti-Extortion Enforcement

The City of Surrey is taking a powerful stand against the insidious threat of extortion, launching a comprehensive new initiative designed to protect local businesses and restore peace of mind within the community. Facing a concerning surge in organized crime targeting entrepreneurs, particularly within the vibrant South Asian business sector, Surrey’s leadership has declared war on these criminal enterprises.

Mayor Brenda Locke spearheaded the announcement, unveiling a multi-faceted strategy that promises a robust and coordinated response.

At the heart of this initiative is the formation of a dedicated Extortion Investigative Team (EIT) within the Surrey RCMP. This specialized task force is equipped with the resources and expertise needed to aggressively pursue and dismantle extortion rings, bringing perpetrators to justice.

A critical component of the new approach is a direct plea to the community: "Don't Pay, Report It." Recognizing that fear of retaliation often prevents victims from coming forward, the city has established a confidential, dedicated phone line—604-915-6570—providing a safe and accessible channel for businesses to report extortion attempts.

This public awareness campaign is vital, aiming to empower victims and reinforce the message that authorities are ready to help.

The issue of extortion has cast a dark shadow over Surrey’s business landscape. Reports reveal a disturbing pattern of threats, property damage, and demands for money, often under the guise of "protection fees" or fabricated debts.

These tactics have created an environment of terror, forcing some business owners to make impossible choices between financial ruin and personal safety. Recent high-profile incidents, including shots fired at a prominent South Asian restaurant, underscore the urgent need for decisive action.

Surrey’s initiative is not operating in isolation.

It represents a collaborative effort, forging strong partnerships with key provincial and federal agencies. The city is working hand-in-hand with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the province’s anti-gang agency, which has received an additional $2 million from the provincial government to bolster its own anti-extortion efforts.

Furthermore, collaborations extend to local Business Improvement Associations and various community groups, ensuring a unified front against this pervasive crime.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth emphasized the provincial government's commitment, highlighting the importance of these coordinated responses.

The message is clear: the province stands with Surrey, providing the necessary backing to combat organized crime effectively. This integrated approach aims to create a network of support, making it increasingly difficult for extortionists to operate within the city.

The goal of this sweeping initiative is clear: to encourage immediate reporting, facilitate thorough investigations, ensure successful prosecutions, and ultimately deter future extortion attempts.

By empowering victims, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and fostering community trust, Surrey is not just reacting to a crisis; it is proactively building a more secure and resilient future for its businesses and residents. The city is sending an unequivocal message to criminals: Surrey will not tolerate extortion, and those who engage in it will face the full force of the law.