B.C. extortion crisis: how the crime wave began — and who police say is behind it

October 2023 — Fires in Edmonton spark national concern

Edmonton police begin investigating a string of arsons and shootings targeting South Asian developers and home builders. Extortionists demand large payments via WhatsApp, warning victims of violence if they refuse.
Police later connect these crimes to Indian-based agents and gang members operating across Canada.

November 2023 — First shots in B.C.

Gunfire erupts at Surrey’s Payal Business Centre, a hub for South Asian-owned businesses. RCMP warn that extortion letters and threats are being sent to local business owners, many of whom fear coming forward.
Around the same time, Brothers Keepers gang member Harry Uppal is killed in Edmonton — a case investigators later link to the same extortion web.

December 2023 — Arrests in B.C. and Ontario

Police arrest two men in Surrey after shots are fired at a White Rock home. Days later, Surrey temple president Satish Kumar reveals his son’s house was also targeted.
In Ontario, police arrest Tanmanjot Gil of Abbotsford for allegedly firing at a Toronto-area business, expanding the investigation nationwide.

January 2024 — Community fears escalate

Hundreds gather at Surrey’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir temple for a public meeting, demanding stronger action.
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma urges victims not to pay extortionists. Despite six arrests in Edmonton, police say the operation continues — with suspects believed to be coordinating from India.

July–August 2024 — Trucking industry targeted

Members of B.C.’s trucking and logistics sector report receiving threats to pay or have their vehicles torched.
Abbotsford businessman Jas Arora reports gasoline being poured on his property after refusing demands.
Police confirm an uptick in cases targeting trucking, shipping, and retail businesses.

September 2024 — Celebrities drawn in

Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s Victoria home is riddled with bullets and set ablaze. An Indian gang leader, Rohit Godara, claims responsibility online.
RCMP later tie the incident to the Bishnoi gang, a powerful criminal organization from Punjab known for contract killings and extortion across India and abroad.

October 2024 — Federal RCMP confirm Indian link

RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme announces “credible evidence” linking Indian government agents to a campaign of violence and intimidation in Canada, including murder and extortion.
Days later, Abjeet Kingra of Winnipeg is arrested in Ontario for Dhillon’s home shooting, while Virkam Sharma flees to India.

June–August 2025 — Renewed violence in B.C.

Shootings resume in Surrey and Abbotsford, including attacks on Nijjar Trucking and Kap’s Café, a restaurant owned by Bollywood comedian Kapil Sharma.
The attacks, often filmed and posted online, mimic gang-style messaging from Indian extortion networks.

September 2025 — Province steps in

The City of Surrey offers a $250,000 reward for information leading to convictions.
B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger announces a 40-member RCMP-led extortion task force, joined by municipal police.
Days later, Ottawa designates the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, giving authorities powers to freeze assets and prosecute under anti-terror laws.

October–November 2025 — Arrests, violence, and federal action

Police announce multiple arrests in three extortion cases, including Kingra, Sharma, Mandeep Gidda, and Hardilpreet Singh.
A Surrey woman becomes the first injury victim after being shot at her home.
CBSA reports investigating 78 foreign nationals connected to the extortion ring, deporting three.

Who Police Believe Is Behind It

Authorities say many of the attacks are linked to organized networks based in India, primarily the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has expanded operations into Canada through associates and copycats.
The Brothers Keepers gang and independent local actors have also been implicated, often replicating the same tactics — anonymous messages, escalating threats, and gunfire when demands aren’t met.

Where Things Stand

As of November 2025:

• Over 100 incidents have been reported in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Delta.

• The B.C. Extortion Task Force is investigating more than 60 open cases.

• Police have urged businesses not to pay and to report all threats.

• Mayors in the region are calling for 150 additional officers to combat the crisis.

Authorities say the coordinated effort between local police, the RCMP, and federal agencies marks a turning point — but warn that the extortion network remains active and evolving.

“These are transnational, organized crime groups leveraging fear and social media,” one investigator said. “We’re treating this as both a public safety and national security issue.”