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Stop extortion

Last updated on February 19, 2026

Working together to stop extortion and keep communities safe.

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Report a threat

If you are being threatened - do not pay. Report it.

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What's happening now

The Province of British Columbia, the B.C. Extortion Task Force, police services, federal and municipal partners are working together to investigate, prevent, and stop extortion-related crimes targeting our communities.

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Latest news

 

B.C. actions on extortion

  • Specialized B.C. Extortion Task Force to target extortion. Extortion is a national issue. The Province is working to ensure all agencies work together to address extortion threats.
    • The Task Force is led by the B.C. RCMP. It also includes:
      • Abbotsford Police Department
      • Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - B.C. (CFSEU-BC)
      • Delta Police Department
      • Metro Vancouver Transit Police
      • Surrey Police Service, and
      • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
    • The B.C. Extortion Task Force also works closely with law enforcement agencies in other provinces.
  • Established a community advisory group on extortion to close any gaps between community members and police to solve crime. The group will help strengthen trust between the community and law enforcement, including the BC Extortion Task Force and local police. It will listen to community concerns, identify emerging issues and relay them to law enforcement and government so people are heard, supported and safe. It will also help law enforcement communicate information to the community.
  • Victims of extortion support funding. Joint funding from the provincial and federal governments is strengthening supports for victims. As part of this effort, the Government of Canada and the B.C. Government are committing $1 million to support victims of extortion. The Province will invest $500,000 for enhanced victim services and community outreach in Lower Mainland communities, particularly Abbotsford, Delta, and Surrey. Funding for police will enhance safety planning and the purchase of equipment to enhance victim safety.
  • Annual funding to tackle organized crime. B.C. allocates more than $100 million each year to help keep British Columbians safe from serious and organized crime. This includes specialized enforcement and intelligence programs targeting gangs, guns and organized crime activities like extortion. Additional funding from the federal Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund helps municipal police forces investigate extortion cases that fall outside of the scope of the task force.
  • Expanded investigation and enforcement activities. The Province is providing police with tools and resources to expand their investigation and enforcement activities to tackle crime. Funding for the Specialized Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program helps police target repeat and violent offenders by strengthening investigations, improving coordination, and closely monitoring high-risk individuals.
  • Supporting victims of crime. We’re working with B.C. Crime Stoppers to help people and businesses know the signs of extortion and encourage victims to report threats. This will help police identify and stop those responsible. Victims and their family may also be eligible for benefits to support their recovery.
  • Expanding the Provincial Forensic Firearms Lab. Investing $600,000 to make it faster and easier to deliver forensic results, which will help police throughout B.C. reduce gun violence and hold offenders accountable more quickly.
  • Hired more police officers. Invested $230 million to hire 256 more BC RCMP officers for rural communities and to increase staffing in specialized units like the Major Crimes Section.
 

Provincial-federal coordination

  • In January 2026, Premier Eby secured support from Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to:
    • Add 20 police officers to join the extortion fight in B.C.
    • Enhance RCMP helicopter resources to aid with tactical operations and community surveillance
    • Hold a police leadership meeting to discuss the trans-national extortion crisis to ensure police are using all tools available to fight crime
  • B.C. has also successfully pushed for federal action on:
    • Listing Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. This gives police and prosecutors stronger tools to freeze assets and disrupt financing
    • New federal bail reforms that create a reverse onus at bail for extortion involving violence. This means the accused must now show why they should be released.
    • Requiring courts to impose a condition prohibiting the possession of a firearm or other weapon, unless it is not needed for public safety reasons, when making a release order in respect of an accused person charged with extortion.
    • Requiring consecutive sentences when extortion is paired with arson. This means offenders must serve time for both crimes one after the other.
 

Federal actions on extortion

The B.C. Extortion Task Force receives support from federal policing programs

  • Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team. The Government of Canada in collaboration with the B.C. government is creating a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team (RIDET). Backed by an investment of $4-million over four years, provided through Canada’s Border Plan, this team will bring law and border enforcement resources together from multiple agencies to fight organized drug crime and combat extortion.
  • Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative. Recognizing the importance of tackling crime before it starts, the Government of Canada is committing $1.5 million through Public Safety Canada’s Crime Prevention Action Fund for the Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative. The organization will launch a Youth Engagement Hub in Surrey to help divert vulnerable youth from gangs and organized crime through programs, mentorship, employment training, and counselling for up to 1,000 young people.
  • RCMP’s National Co-ordination and Support Team (NCST). The team offers co-ordination support and information sharing on extortion cases with law-enforcement agencies in affected provinces including B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
 

Municipal coordination and support

  • The City of Surrey is providing the Surrey Police Service with a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions in the ongoing extortion cases targeting individuals and businesses within the city.  
    • People who report threats may receive a payment if their tip directly results in identification, prosecution and conviction. 
  • Abbotsford Police Department has launched Operation Community Shield, a dedicated internal task force working with provincial and federal authorities to investigate all extortion reports and urges residents and businesses to report suspicious activity.
  • Delta Police Department investigate all extortion reports through a dedicated team, working closely with the B.C. Extortion Task Force and other partners to respond quickly to threats and support residents and businesses, while encouraging immediate reporting of any suspicious activity.

“Tackling extortion is our government’s top public safety priority, and we are committed to providing police with every resource they need to help bring these criminals to justice.”

- Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

About the B.C. Extortion Task Force

As part of our investments to counter extortion threats, the Province established a B.C. Extortion Task Force dedicated to advancing investigations and holding those responsible accountable. The B.C. Extortion Task Force brings together law enforcement partners to ensure a cross-jurisdictional approach to support coordinated investigations.

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Task force priorities

Since the Task Force was created in September 2025, the team has focused on:

  • Investigating those responsible for the highest threats to public safety
  • Suppressing the violence throughout affected communities
  • Understanding linkages between files
  • Establishing investigations series with evidence-based connections
  • Identifying suspects and suspect groups
  • Coordinating with law enforcement partners across the Province and the country
  • Supporting victims and their families and helping to keep them safe
 

Task force members

The B.C. Extortion Task Force includes more than 40 police representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies, including:

  • B.C. RCMP
  • Surrey Police Service
  • Delta Police
  • Abbotsford Police
  • Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC)
  • Metro Vancouver Transit Police
  • Canada Border Services Agency

They also receive support from B.C. RCMP surge resources, including:

  • CFSEU-BC's Uniform Gang Enforcement Team
  • B.C. Highway Patrol
  • Emergency Response Teams
  • Police Dog Services
 

Investigating extortion threats

Extortion investigations are complex. The B.C. Extortion Task Force uses reactive and proactive enforcement and investigative strategies that are led by intelligence.

These evidence-based investigations rely on information received by the police. The B.C. Extortion Task Force and local police have liaison officers who work with victims, witnesses and local police to collect evidence and put safety plans in place as needed.

The Task Force must limit the information that is shared with the public to protect the integrity and viability of ongoing investigations.

If you are a victim of extortion:

  • Report it to police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS [8477]
  • Save all communications and evidence of the threats
  • Do not respond to threats
  • Do not comply with demands

B.C. Extortion Task Force infographic of agencies represented

“The B.C. Extortion Task Force sends a clear and firm message: if you choose to inflict harm in our communities, we will find you and we will hold you accountable.”

- Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

two people looking at closed off area wearing a jacket that says Victim Services

How to report a threat

If you are being threatened - do not pay. Report it. 

Reporting the threat helps to ensure your safety and connect you with resources.

Even if something seems small or insignificant, report it. A single detail can connect major investigations, identify suspects, or prevent another crime.

Steps to take

  1. Call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger
  2. Save any evidence you may have
  3. Report to police using one of the options below:
  4. Do not respond to threats or comply with demands

If you’re unsure if you should report a crime, contact VictimLink BC for confidential support.

What happens after you report - how you can help

Information shared with police or Crime Stoppers goes directly to investigators involved in extortion files. Investigators review evidence, coordinate intelligence, and follow up.

Every credible lead helps police connect files, identify suspects, and support justice outcomes. 

Learn how crimes are investigated and how charges are assessed:

Resources

Support for victims and families

If you’ve experienced extortion, you might be feeling frightened, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do. You don’t have to face this alone. Support is available to help you.

Victim Services workers have specialized training to provide information and emotional support to those impacted by crime, victimization, and trauma. Services include:

  • Crisis response and safety planning
  • Information regarding the police investigative process
  • Practical assistance completing Crime Victim Assistance Program applications and other related forms
  • Information about the criminal justice system, and support through the court process
  • Referrals to other community resources

Information for victims of crime:

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Victim supports

 

Crime Victim Assistance Program

Victims of extortion may be eligible for benefits through the Crime Victim Assistance Program including:

  • Counselling services
  • Protective measures – up to $3,000 may be provided for security devices like new locks or security systems
  • Relocation expenses to move to a new location may be considered in certain circumstances

Immediate family members and witnesses may also be eligible for counselling benefits.

For information and to apply, contact the Crime Victim Assistance Program directly.

  • Call: 1-866-660-3888, press 5 to speak with a staff person
  • Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Contact the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Border Watch Line using a secure online form or the toll-free phone line.

Call toll-free: 1-888-502-9060

Hours of operations: Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm, PT

Outside of these hours please use the online reporting form.

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Contact information

Victim services

Call or text: Toll Free
1-800-563-0808
Email:
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
Website:
http://www.victimlinkbc.ca