Surrey officials demand urgent action after extortion threats and shootings target South Asian businesses, calling it “economic terrorism.”
Business Owners Targeted in Surrey Extortion Surge
A wave of extortion threats and targeted shootings in Surrey has prompted public outrage and calls for coordinated action. Local businessman Satish Kumar, whose accounting firm and banquet hall were both attacked, is one of at least 10 known victims in the last six months. His latest ordeal occurred on Friday, just one day before he hosted a public safety forum at his banquet venue.
Safety Forum Gathers Community and Politicians
The safety forum on Sunday drew hundreds of residents and representatives from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, highlighting the seriousness of the crisis. Politicians, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, labeled the incidents “economic terrorism,” demanding a national task force and increased coordination across jurisdictions. Locke emphasized the need for real-time reporting tools, a dedicated tip line, and a national dashboard to track similar incidents in Edmonton, Brampton, and other affected cities.
Police Urge Reporting, Expand Investigative Resources
Surrey Police Service Chief Const. Norm Lipinski reiterated that residents must report extortion threats immediately and avoid paying ransom. He noted that the department is “front-end loading” resources, forming an extortion investigation unit, and bolstering their capabilities with translation, surveillance, and tech support to meet the scale of the threat. Despite increased efforts, no arrests have been made in Surrey so far.
Cross-Border Crime Networks Cited in Extortion Model
A parallel press conference by Peel Regional Police in Ontario on Monday confirmed that extortion crimes follow a larger international pattern. Through Project Outsource, Peel police dismantled a violent criminal organization responsible for threats across the GTA, resulting in 18 arrests and nearly 100 charges. Chief Nishan Duraiappah warned that the same tactics are being replicated in Western Canada and California, and highlighted ongoing cooperation with Surrey, Edmonton, and Sacramento law enforcement.
Calls for Federal Review of Policing Transition in Surrey
Mayor Locke also renewed her call for the federal government to audit the transition from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service, stating, “There are cracks showing,” and citing the current crisis as evidence that the shift in policing requires reassessment. The extortion epidemic has amplified concerns about coordination, response time, and resource adequacy amid the structural change.
Rising Fear in Surrey’s South Asian Business Community
With South Asian-owned businesses being disproportionately targeted, community leaders fear a deepening climate of fear unless swift action is taken. Police believe many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, cultural stigma, or mistrust of authorities. As public pressure mounts, leaders are demanding proactive protection—before more lives and livelihoods are at risk.
