First injury in Surrey extortion-related crimes marks change as cases pile up

A woman was shot in her Surrey home on October 12, marking the first injury linked to a troubling rise in extortion-related crimes. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) suspects that the shooting is part of a broader pattern, as they have recorded 59 extortion cases this year, along with 33 shots-fired calls. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton stated that the incident reflects a typical modus operandi associated with recent extortion cases, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The victim is currently hospitalized in stable condition after initially being listed as critical.

In response, police are gathering evidence and seeking connections between the residence and ongoing extortion investigations. The provincial government recently established a task force to address these crimes, which predominantly target South Asian individuals and businesses. This task force includes 40 members from various enforcement agencies in British Columbia. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Surrey Extortion Tip Line.