Surrey declares local emergency as extortion threats and shootings shake South Asian community
By mid-January this year, Surrey has already recorded 35 extortion cases, including at least eight confirmed shootings within first three weeks
PTC Web Desk: In an unprecedented move against organised crime, the Surrey City Council has declared a local state of emergency to deal with a sharp rise in extortion threats and related violence across the city. This is the first time in Canada that an elected municipal council has taken such a step specifically to counter criminal activity.
The decision was led by Mayor Brenda Locke and approved by the council on January 26, after authorities acknowledged that the scale and intensity of the crimes have overwhelmed local policing and civic resources.
Calling the situation a “transnational threat,” Mayor Locke urged the federal government to step in with extraordinary measures, including the possibility of declaring a national emergency or adopting equivalent actions to curb the growing crisis.
“This is a crisis that has left families frightened and businesses under constant pressure,” Locke said during the council meeting. “Surrey is facing an emergency because of persistent extortion and violence that has deeply affected our community.”
According to Canadian media reports, the council’s motion seeks the appointment of a federal-level “extortion commissioner for violence against Canadians.” The proposed role would coordinate a nationwide response, including deploying additional RCMP organised crime units, fast-tracking deportations of non-citizens involved in extortion, and tightening immigration laws to allow quicker detention and removal of offenders.
The extortion racket in Surrey has largely targeted South Asian families and business owners, with investigators linking many cases to organised crime networks operating across borders, including alleged connections to India. Victims have reported receiving anonymous demands for large sums, often ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, through phone calls, letters, or social media, accompanied by threats of violence.
The situation worsened significantly in 2025, when Surrey Police Service investigated 44 extortion-related cases, 27 of which involved shootings at homes, businesses, or vehicles. Despite the city setting up a $250,000 reward fund to encourage information leading to arrests, the violence has escalated further in 2026.
By mid-January this year, Surrey had already recorded 35 extortion cases, including at least eight confirmed shootings within the first three weeks. If the current trend continues, officials warn the city could see more than 600 such incidents by the end of the year.
Members of the Indo-Canadian community have voiced deep concern and anger, with some alleging that racial bias may have contributed to delays in a stronger response from authorities. Repeated attacks, such as multiple shootings at Kap’s Café over recent months, have highlighted the boldness of those behind the crimes.
Mayor Locke has also criticised the federal government for what she described as a slow reaction, stressing that Surrey’s crisis is not isolated but part of a wider national problem requiring urgent attention.