Surrey extortion arrests announced, but police remain tight-lipped on details

While remaining light on details, Mounties in British Columbia have publicly confirmed the existence of an ongoing investigation into a series of extortion attempts across Vancouver's Lower Mainland.

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While remaining light on details, Mounties in British Columbia have publicly confirmed the existence of an ongoing investigation into a series of extortion attempts across Vancouver's Lower Mainland region, following the arrest of two suspects connected to a 2024 arson and firearm incident in Surrey.

The investigation—now overseen by a Joint Force Operation launched in January 2025—is focused on a coordinated campaign of financial extortion largely targeting members of the South Asian business community.

The two individuals arrested on July 3, 2025—who went unnamed in the RCMP’s news release—are being held in connection with the careless discharge of a firearm and an arson incident, both dating back to last year.

Police added that those charges are linked to the broader extortion probe.

As previously reported by True North, several alleged victims have reported receiving threats demanding substantial sums of money, with incidents escalating to violence or property damage when demands went unmet.

“The arrests made are a testament to the coordinated efforts of our police partners, and a shared commitment to protecting the public,” said Duncan Pound, an assistant district commander for the RCMP’s Lower Mainland District.

“These investigations are complex and ongoing. For strategic investigative reasons, details have not been released until now — but I want the public to know we are working together to bring those responsible to justice,” Pound continued.

However, that explanation didn't suffice for many British Columbians concerned with the growing trend of violent extortions, including a former B.C. solicitor general.

Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Temple and owner of Reflections Banquet Hall, who helped organize a town hall on the issue previously reported on by True North, said it was good to hear about the arrests, but noted extortions “have not stopped.”

Kumar told the media he wants Canadian authorities to release more information about the two people arrested, as well as which extortion attempt the charges are linked to.

Kash Heed, the former B.C. solicitor general and Richmond city councillor, said the arrests raise more questions than answers.

“When you do a press release and you have absolutely no details, it’s very premature,” he said, noting police have not named the people arrested or specified what they are accused of doing.

“When you come out with something this premature, there’s a strong suspicion it’s being done to appease your political masters,” Heed continued.

Heed told reporters that he wants to know if the people arrested were part of the Bishnoi gang or “local thugs.”

“I just shake my head. I have to wonder if they are causing more concern for people by displaying a lack of credibility.”