Punjabi woman among two arrested in Canada extortion case, demanded money via WhatsApp
PTC News Desk: For the first time in Canada, a Punjabi-origin woman has been arrested in connection with an extortion case. However, Calgary Police have now released her and asked her to appear in court on October 6.
Police allege that Kanupriya Kaur provided the shooter with the victim’s identity and home address.
According to Calgary Police, charges have been filed against two adults and one minor in the high-profile extortion case. Police said the victim received a threatening message on WhatsApp from an unknown number on March 25.
The woman was allegedly asked to pay a large amount of money, although police have not disclosed the exact amount. The suspects already had confidential information about the woman, including her name, home address, business and family details.
About 12 hours after the threat was received, the accused allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the woman’s home.
According to figures released by Calgary Police Service (CPS), 51 extortion cases have been reported in the city since April 2025. Of these, 19 were directly linked to shootings. Police have so far filed 59 separate charges against 19 accused in these cases.
Police have urged residents not to panic or pay money if they receive any extortion-related calls or messages. They have been advised to immediately contact the police instead.
- With inputs from agencies
