Edmonton Police now investigating 5 extortions, 15 arsons, 7 firearms offences in South Asian extortion series

Suspect vehicle in January 10 drive-by shooting.

THE Edmonton Police Service on Thursday asked the public to come forward to report extortion and assist in identifying a suspect vehicle in a drive-by shooting connected to the recent extortion series.

Police are now investigating 27 events related to an ongoing extortion series that has affected the South Asian community in the Edmonton region since October, including five extortions, 15 arsons and seven firearms offences.

Earlier this month, police had said that 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.

Police said at a press conference that it’s their belief that “these crimes are being orchestrated from India.”

A house fire in Beaumont that occurred in the early morning hours of January 16 is the most recent event to be connected to the series.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the shootings, but a firefighter was injured in one of the arsons. An estimated $9 million in property damage has been reported as a result of the arsons and shootings.

On January 10, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a suspect in a vehicle fired shots into a Cy Becker residence occupied by a family with children. No one was struck, although bullets were recovered from inside the home. The occupants of the home have no known involvement in criminal activity.

Police have since determined this shooting is connected to the extortion series, and this is the second time the home was targeted. Anyone with information related to the suspect vehicle pictured below is asked to come forward.

Anyone who has received threats or who has information about the drive-by shooting or other events related to this crime series is asked 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.

A dedicated project team continues to investigate this series and its connection to organized crime. While similar events have been reported in B.C. and Ontario, at this time, investigators do not believe these to be connected to the Edmonton series.

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