4 extortion investigations launched in Vancouver — the first in the city

B.C.’s most populous city is now part of a growing trend of crime where perpetrators threaten residents and businesses with violence in exchange for money.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said on Wednesday it is actively investigating four extortion files — the first cases reported to police in the city.

“I can confirm that these four are the first four that we’re aware about in Vancouver,” said Const. Darren Wong in an email to CBC News.

The force is offering few details about the cases. It has not said if they involve shootings, as have been common in other jurisdictions with far more extortion, such as Surrey, Delta and Abbotsford.

VPD has also not said when the cases were reported but that arrests have been made.

“While I cannot comment on specifics about these four investigations as they are all in different stages, I can confirm that we have executed search warrants and arrests and are in the process of collecting more evidence in order to have charges laid,” wrote Wong.

The force said the victims are all connected to Vancouver, meaning they either reside in the city or have businesses located there.

It also said that of the four investigations, VPD has worked with the Surrey Police Service and the B.C. Extortion Task Force on two of them.

Police say it’s possible there are other cases in Vancouver and the force is asking victims to come forward to report the crime.

Meanwhile, in Surrey, police say there have been 53 extortions reported to the force so far this year, up until Feb. 16, as well as 11 related shootings and two related arsons. They have targeted 31 victims, 17 of whom were previously targeted.

Surrey has been ground-zero for extortion in the region with the first cases popping up in November 2023.

Since then, the Surrey Police Service, along with other police agencies and various levels of government, have scrambled to try and keep up with the pace of the crime.

On Thursday, the federal government announced dedicated financial intelligence experts who will focus on extortion crime targeting Canadian businesses and households as part of the multi-jurisdictional strategy to try and combat the problem.

“Our message to criminals is both powerful and simple: Enough is enough,” said federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaking from Mississauga, Ont., another extortion hotspot.

“We’re going to make their life miserable.”

Champagne announced that the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) will work closely with local law enforcement and prioritize receiving more timely and relevant financial intelligence to identify criminal networks and support investigations.

In a news release Thursday, the government also announced the launch of a partnership between FINTRAC and Canadian banks, credit unions and financial service providers, including cryptocurrencies, to enhance information sharing and provide clear guidance on how to detect extortion transactions. 

FINTRAC will also be publishing intelligence on how criminals launder proceeds, the news release said.

Surrey police said they are reviewing the announcement and how it will be implemented.

“Generally, however, we can say that any additional tools, resources, or involvement of agencies to assist in combatting extortions and crimes in Canadian communities is welcome,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.

Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Surrey meeting with local law enforcement to review changes his government is making to help tackle extortion.

That includes 80 amendments to Canada’s Criminal Code, tightening immigration laws to prevent extortion suspects from claiming asylum in Canada and resources to help victims of the crime.

“We are in the process of addressing this issue collectively with law enforcement, with our prosecutors, with our municipalities, with the provinces, with the federal government,” said Carney.

“We are going to stamp out extortion.”