**Title: Abbotsford, B.C., Faces Increase in Extortion and Violence**

Residents and business owners in Abbotsford, British Columbia, are increasingly alarmed by a surge in extortion-related threats. Local police report that these incidents are becoming more frequent and violent. One victim shared their experience, stating they have endured months of harassment, including late-night phone calls from unknown numbers and threatening text messages. "They're saying give us money or watch out," the victim said. "I'm just so scared."

The Abbotsford Police Department has confirmed the authenticity of these threats but has chosen not to disclose the victim's identity for safety reasons. Between November 2023 and September 2025, police recorded 38 extortion-related incidents. Most of these cases involved non-violent tactics, such as threatening letters and phone calls demanding money. However, police noted a troubling trend in September, with an increase in violent incidents, including shootings and arson.

In response to the escalating violence, the Abbotsford Police Department has initiated Operation Community Shield, one of its largest internal officer reassignments in recent years. This operation aims to address the growing concerns of safety in the community. "People are losing their sense of security and safety," said Sgt. Paul Walker. "We have people that are now living in fear … we have neighborhoods that are nervous."

The police department's actions follow the establishment of a provincial task force aimed at investigating extortion threats affecting various communities in British Columbia. Experienced officers from different divisions will be reassigned to this task force, which will include members from major crimes, forensics, and crime analysis teams. Some officers will also be on standby to respond to urgent cases related to extortion.

Sgt. Walker emphasized the interconnected nature of crime in the region, stating, "Crime that's occurring in Abbotsford isn't just Abbotsford. It's occurring in other communities, and I'm confident that some of the people involved in that crime are in multi-jurisdictions." The city of Surrey has also reported a significant number of extortion cases, with police investigating 44 incidents, including 27 that involved shootings.

Despite police advice against paying extortionists, some victims feel compelled to do so due to ongoing threats. Kash Heed, a former public safety minister, noted that he is aware of several victims in the Lower Mainland who have paid their extortionists. "I'm saying don't pay [but] I can understand why they're paying the individual — they have no confidence that law enforcement is able to protect their families or deal with it," Heed said.

Both the Abbotsford Police Department and the Surrey Police Service have reported no arrests or charges related to extortion incidents so far. The B.C. RCMP has made some arrests in the Lower Mainland, but no charges have been filed yet. Sgt. Walker indicated that the South Asian community is particularly targeted in these extortion cases, with some incidents linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization from northern India that has expanded its activities into North America.

In September, the federal government designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, which allows for increased resources to combat its activities. Walker stated that while some cases are clearly connected to this gang, others remain under investigation.

Criminologist Carlos Ponce highlighted the challenges victims face in coming forward. "Sometimes they believe that they are going to put themselves at more risk if they report the crime to the police," he said. However, he expressed optimism about the new task force, noting that it could enhance outreach efforts to victims.

For the victim who spoke to police, the establishment of the task force is a positive development. They have been in contact with law enforcement and hope for increased police presence in the area. Despite this, they continue to live in fear, feeling that their safety ultimately depends on their own vigilance. "Really, I can't do anything other than keeping myself safe and watching out for myself," they said.