Based on coverage from CBC, CTV, and CityNews Vancouver.
B.C. Extortion Task Force Tackles Rising Crime
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has made significant strides in addressing the alarming rise in extortion and violence in British Columbia. As part of its collaboration with B.C.'s new provincial extortion task force, the CBSA has removed three individuals from Canada. These actions are part of a broader effort to combat a wave of extortion attempts and shootings that have particularly targeted South Asian businesspeople in the province.
The extortion task force, established earlier this year, comprises about 40 officers from the CBSA, B.C. RCMP, municipal police forces, and other agencies. Its mission is to investigate and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for these crimes. The task force has already initiated investigations into 78 foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to Canada due to their connections to these violent activities.
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Community Impact and Government Response
The rise in extortion cases has left many communities in fear, with Surrey alone reporting 65 extortion cases this year, 35 of which involved gunfire. The provincial government, recognizing the severity of the situation, has emphasized the importance of the CBSA's role in the task force. B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger highlighted the agency's essential contribution, stating that those involved in violent extortion will face arrest and potential deportation if they are not Canadian citizens.
Nina Patel, the regional director general for CBSA's Pacific region, underscored the agency's critical role in dismantling organized transnational criminal groups. The task force's efforts have already led to arrests and a few convictions, some linked to the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which the federal government recently designated as a terrorist entity.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
In response to the ongoing crisis, CBC News is organizing a town hall event in Surrey on November 13, titled "Extortion: Communities in Fear." This event aims to bring together community members, law enforcement, and government officials to discuss the impact of extortion and explore potential solutions.
While the task force's efforts are a step in the right direction, some community leaders, including a former Surrey MP, have called for additional measures, such as increasing the number of police officers. However, experts caution that simply adding more police may not be sufficient to solve the problem. A comprehensive approach that includes community engagement, prevention strategies, and international cooperation is essential to effectively address the root causes of this crime wave.
As the task force continues its work, the collaboration between federal, provincial, and local agencies remains crucial in ensuring the safety and security of British Columbians. The ongoing investigations and community initiatives signal a commitment to tackling this complex issue and restoring peace to affected communities.
Related: B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Hold Over 1,300 Meetings Amid Court Ruling Tensions
