Based on coverage from CBC, Global, CTV, and Times Colonist.
Extortion Threats Target B.C. Lawyers
The Law Society of British Columbia is warning its members about a disturbing series of extortion threats targeting lawyers across the province. According to the society, several B.C. lawyers have received messages demanding large sums of money and threatening physical harm — tactics similar to those seen in recent extortion cases in B.C. The Law Society urged any legal professional facing threats to contact police immediately. While officials have not disclosed how many lawyers have been targeted, they say the issue is serious but not yet widespread.
The situation has gained political attention. Steve Kooner, a Conservative MLA, lawyer, and Opposition attorney general critic, says he has never seen lawyers targeted in this way during his nearly 20 years of practice. He called the threats a “disturbing escalation” in what he describes as B.C.’s growing extortion crisis, which has already impacted businesses and communities across the Lower Mainland.
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B.C.'s Extortion Crisis Intensifies
British Columbia continues to grapple with a surge in extortion-related crime, particularly within South Asian business communities in Surrey and other parts of the Lower Mainland. These incidents — often involving shootings, arson attempts, and violent intimidation — have prompted the province to establish a dedicated Extortion Task Force. The task force has focused largely on Surrey-based cases but is now expanding its efforts in response to threats against lawyers and others connected to the justice system.
Kooner has called on the federal government to consider classifying certain forms of organized extortion as a terrorism offence under the Criminal Code, arguing that the severity of the threats and the widespread fear they cause represent more than routine criminal activity. The Ministry of Attorney General reinforced the importance of protecting legal professionals, stressing that attacks or threats against lawyers undermine the integrity of the justice system.
As extortion crimes in B.C. continue to evolve, law enforcement agencies — including RCMP and municipal police — are working to adapt, emphasizing the need for stronger tools and coordinated responses to combat organized intimidation networks.
Community Frustration and Calls for Action
Rising extortion threats in B.C., especially in Surrey, have created growing frustration among community members and business owners. At a recent CBC-hosted town hall in Surrey, residents, police officials, and politicians gathered to discuss the escalating situation. Many expressed fear, anger, and disappointment over what they view as slow and insufficient enforcement efforts. Surrey’s $250,000 reward fund — created to encourage tips leading to convictions in extortion cases — has provided some hope, but residents say they are still waiting for meaningful progress.
Sgt. Vanessa Munn of the B.C. RCMP confirmed that police are aware of the threats made toward lawyers but could not confirm whether active investigations are underway involving legal professionals. She repeated the RCMP’s message to not pay extortion demands under any circumstances and to report all threats immediately to local authorities.
As the province confronts increasingly bold and violent extortion crime in Canada, communities and the legal sector are watching closely. The pressure on government and law enforcement is growing as British Columbia navigates a challenging and rapidly evolving public safety threat driven by organized crime networks.
