B.C. police arrest two over extortion involving South Asian community

By Canadian Press on July 3, 2025.

SURREY — RCMP in Surrey, B.C., say two suspects have been arrested in their investigation into extortion that has targeted the South Asian business community.

Police say they’ve been looking into the allegations since 2023, where victims have reported receiving threats demanding large sums of money, sometimes followed by acts of violence or property damage when demands were not met.

Chief Supt. Duncan Pound, the Lower Mainland’s district commander, says the arrests show the shared commitment among law enforcement in the region to pursuing criminal charges.

Police say the suspects were arrested today for careless discharge of a firearm and arson related to incidents that occurred in Surrey, B.C., last year.

Pound says no charges have yet been laid and he wouldn’t give details on the allegations other that to say no one was hurt in the incidents.

He says that the two Surrey residents are in custody and they may be released without charge as police work with the B.C. Prosecution Service to secure charge approval.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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