Surrey, B.C. – In response to a troubling rise in extortion threats targeting members of the South Asian community, BC Crime Stoppers has launched a new digital awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people to report these crimes.
The 60-day campaign—backed by $100,000 in provincial funding through the federal Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund—will run in English and Punjabi across social media, radio, podcasts, Spotify and TV platforms. The goal: to educate the public on how to recognize and report extortion threats and keep individuals, families, and businesses safe.
“The recent surge in extortion threats is very concerning,” said Garry Begg, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Reporting is the most important step in stopping extortion and keeping people safe. If you are a victim or have information, I urge you to contact Crime Stoppers.”
The campaign was developed in consultation with experts who have policing backgrounds, personal experience in dealing with extortion, and deep ties to the South Asian community.
BC Crime Stoppers Executive Director Gillian Millam emphasized the importance of community cooperation:
“Since 1982, BC Crime Stoppers has provided people with an anonymous way to report crime. This campaign aims to inform and empower the public so police can stop those responsible.”
Local police chiefs echoed the call for early reporting:
- Chief Const. Norm Lipinski, Surrey Police Service, noted that Surrey’s dedicated Extortion Investigations Team is actively working with other agencies to arrest those behind these crimes.
- Chief Const. Harj Sidhu, Delta Police, warned that extortion is often linked to organized crime and urged anyone affected to come forward.
- Chief Const. Colin Watson, Abbotsford Police, stressed the importance of partnerships and proactive community engagement.
- Chief Supt. Duncan Pound, RCMP Lower Mainland District, said extortion complaints are coming from across multiple jurisdictions and police are taking a collaborative, cross-jurisdictional approach to disrupt organized crime.
The B.C. government is investing over $100 million annually in anti-gang enforcement, community safety initiatives, and forensic capabilities. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, B.C. will receive nearly $11 million in federal funding to continue these efforts.