What is extortion?

An extortion is when an individual receives a demand for money with a threat of violence or intimidation. We are currently seeing a trend across Canada – including in Surrey – where individuals and businesses in South Asian communities are receiving threatening demands for money by letters, phone calls, text messages, or social media. 
 

What is SPS doing to tackle extortion threats?

Police agencies across Canada are working together to address these extortions, many of which extend beyond the boundaries of each city.

Surrey Police Service (SPS) has taken the following actions: 

• Launched a dedicated SPS Extortion Investigations Team.
• Daily engagement with the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit and other police agencies, as well as contact with the RCMP National Coordination and Support Team.
• Increased patrols in targeted areas throughout Surrey. 
   

What can you do to help combat extortion?

Report possible extortion cases as soon as possible. 

If you or your business receive threatening demands money:

• Call police immediately: 604-599-0502 or 9-1-1 in emergencies (translation services available)
• Do not pay or negotiate with criminals.
• Keep all communications, including voice mails, text messages, or letters.
• Write down any details you remember such as car model, description of criminal, etc.

If you have information as a victim, witness, or as a member of the community please come forward and provide any information that you know. Even small seemingly minor pieces of information could be vital in helping ongoing investigations. 
 

Who should I contact? 

Report an extortion in Surrey or provide information to the Extortion Investigations Team by calling the police non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 (call 9-1-1 in emergencies).

If you have information and you’d like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Our Victim Services staff are also available to support victims of extortion and their family members - call 604-599-7600.
 

Helping the police

• You can help police solve extortion cases by reporting suspicious activity that you see in your neighbourhood. Don't delay, report right away.
• Get involved in your local Block Watch. If you aren't sure if you have a Block Watch set up for your area reach out to us at blockwatch@surreypolice.ca
• Check your surveillance systems to see if they work, and sign up your surveillance cameras with Project Iris to help police access important video of the area.