THE Edmonton Police Service is asking the public to come forward to report extortion and assist in identifying a person of interest in a related arson series.

Police are investigating at least 18 incidents of extortion that have occurred in the Edmonton region since October. The suspects reportedly target members of the South Asian business community, using Whatsapp to text or call victims and demand large sums of money. In some cases, the suspects appear to have knowledge of the victim’s personal information, such as family members, vehicles and lifestyle patterns.

Failure to pay the extorted sum results in arson or other property damage to new home builds, show homes and related property. The suspects have also been known to make follow-up demands for higher sums of money, leading to an escalation of violence and drive-by shootings. No injuries have been reported as a result of shooting incidents.

The arsons are typically committed by a group of young adults and youth observed carrying jerry cans. Investigators are seeking information about a male who is a person of interest (see photo) in a December 29, 2023 arson in the Woodhaven Pointe area.

To date, six young males have been arrested for shooting and arson incidents that have been connected to the extortion series:

* Parminder Singh, 20, was arrested for 12 firearms-related charges in an October 19, 2023 incident where shots were fired at a residence in the Laurel area. Singh is currently in custody.

* Hassan Dembil, 18, Manav Heer, 18, Ravinder Sandu, 19, and a youth were all charged with arson-related offences for a December 19, 2023 residential fire in the Cy Becker community. All four suspects have since been released.

* Arjun Sahnan, 19, was arrested on five firearms-related charges during a December 30, 2023 vehicle stop that occurred in the area of 17 Street and 49 Avenue. He has since been released.

A dedicated EPS project team of investigators is working on the series, and is asking anyone who has received these threats or who has information about the person of interest to contact police immediately at 780-423-4567. When speaking with police dispatch, callers can reference file #23-802638. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.