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extortion threats decline in surrey in early 2026, says police chief

by cheryl chan
published apr 11, 2026
last updated apr 13, 2026
read time 1 minute read
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read time 1 minute read
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extortion threats in surrey are showing signs of easing this year, with police reporting a significant drop in incidents following last year’s spike.
surrey police chief norm lipinski said there has been a “meaningful decline” in extortion threats and extortion-related shots fired incidents in the first quarter of the 2026.
extortion threats have dropped from 44 in january to 17 in february and 14 in march, he said in a video posted on x on friday, while shots-fired incidents have gone from 10 in january to one in february and three in march.
“while this trend is encouraging, i want to be clear: any threat against a business owner or resident is deeply concerning,” said lipinski.
extortion threats targeting south asian canadian business owners and residents have been a concern, but incidents surged in 2024 and 2025, heightening fear among the community and prompting responses from political leaders and police.
surrey police continue to dedicate front-line officers and investigators to extortion cases, said lipinski — including project assurance, where officers patrol neighbourhoods and business areas targeted by extortions, and working with the b.c. extortion task force, which was launched last september.
surrey police  in the 13400 block of 56 ave following on overnight shooting jan. 15 that police believe is related to an ongoing series of extortions.
surrey police  in the 13400 block of 56 ave following on overnight shooting jan. 15 that police believe is related to an ongoing series of extortions. nick procaylo / png
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in previous updates, lipinski said police are reaching out to people vulnerable to being recruited into committing extortion crimes, including international students at post-secondary institutions. he also said police’s tactic of releasing photos of extortion suspects could be a factor in the decline.
the city of surrey has also offered a $250,000 reward to encourage the public to come forward with information.
the canada border services agency, which is working with the b.c. extortion task force and other authorities, said as of march 12, it investigated 372 cases related to suspected extortionists, issued 70 removal orders, and deported 35 people.
chchan@postmedia.com
cheryl chan
cheryl chan

i grew up in the philippines, where journalism never really felt like an option. but moving to canada gave me an opportunity to pursue a profession that’s meaningful and deeply connected to my community.

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