Surrey, B.C., has announced a $250,000 reward fund to aid in the investigation of a series of extortion cases that have plagued the community. This initiative is being described as one of the largest rewards in Canadian policing history. The Surrey Police Service is currently looking into 44 extortion cases, 27 of which have involved shootings.

Mayor Brenda Locke addressed the situation, stating that the extortion attempts pose a significant threat to the community's safety and well-being. "These extortionists are thugs and criminals who do not belong in Surrey," she said during a briefing.

Chief Constable Norm Lipinski emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that a dedicated team has been investigating these extortion cases for three months. He announced the establishment of a new tip line to encourage community members to come forward with information.

Authorities have linked some of the extortion activities to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is based in India. This gang has reportedly targeted South Asian communities across Canada. British Columbia Premier David Eby and other officials have called for the group to be designated as a terrorist organization.

The reward fund was approved by the city council on September 10. It is intended to incentivize individuals to provide information that could lead to arrests and convictions in these extortion cases. Chief Lipinski stated, "The Surrey Extortion Reward Fund will provide police with another important tool to address the most urgent issue in our community."

Payments from the fund will only be made if there is a successful identification, prosecution, and conviction of suspects. Those with information about the extortion-related shootings are encouraged to contact the Surrey Police at their dedicated tip line, 236-485-5149.

Recent reports indicate that the police have received 39 extortion complaints, with 27 involving shootings. One notable incident occurred in the 14300-block of 28th Avenue in South Surrey, where a home was shot at in connection with an ongoing extortion investigation.

The extortion cases have affected a variety of businesses, including a banquet hall, a car wash, a currency exchange, a trucking company, and a music producer. In July, the RCMP reported that two individuals were arrested in connection with extortion attempts and faced charges related to arson and gun offenses in Surrey from 2024. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed.

The investigation into these extortion cases began in late 2023, with victims reporting threats demanding money, often followed by violent acts such as vandalism and shootings. Surrey is not alone in facing these challenges; a national task force was established in 2023 to assist police departments in Brampton, Edmonton, and Surrey, all of which are dealing with similar extortion cases.