The rise in extortion is “terrifying” for families and communities
Hi, I’m Lauren, a staff writer for CBC News based in Vancouver.
We will follow a press conference in Surrey, British Columbia, hosted by Premier David Eby, along with federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and other officials, announcing a government response to extortion threats in the province and support for victims.
Extortion has been on the rise in three Lower Mainland cities, with more than 100 incidents reported in Surrey, Abbotsford and Delta this year alone. Most of the time, the crime targets members of South Asian communities, who receive threats and demands for money. In some of the incidents, shots were fired at people’s homes and businesses.
“It’s terrifying for families,” Eby said during opening remarks Friday.
