Premier Eby Warns Mixed Police Messaging Is Undermining Trust Among Surrey Extortion Victims

B.C. Premier David Eby says inconsistent messaging between police agencies responding to extortion crimes in Surrey is sending the wrong signal to victims and eroding trust in public safety efforts.

Speaking Tuesday after meeting with Surrey business and community leaders, Eby said what he has heard from residents does not align with what police agencies are communicating about their response to the growing wave of extortion.

“I’ve been very concerned about inconsistent communications between the provincial extortion task force and the Surrey Police Service to the community,” Eby said. “That is not acceptable.”

Extortion crimes in Surrey have involved threats of violence against residents and businesses in exchange for money. Eby said unclear communication has left people uncertain about whether police are responding effectively or able to protect them.

Community leaders say the impact has been severe. Puneet Sandhar, vice-president of the South Asian Business Association of B.C., said years of violence have left residents fearful of everyday activities.

“It’s beyond frustration. It’s beyond fear,” Sandhar said. “It’s actually very handicapping right now.”

Advisory committee and police board changes

Eby announced the province will create a new community advisory committee to work with police agencies, investigators, patrol officers, and residents to identify communication gaps and improve coordination.

He also confirmed a restructuring of the Surrey police board, with four provincially appointed members to be replaced by appointments jointly selected by the Surrey mayor and the provincial public safety minister.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the changes are intended to better reflect community priorities.

“It’s crucial we amplify the voices of residents and business owners who have been victimized by extortion and violence for far too long,” she said in a statement.

Eby said he has heard troubling accounts of residents calling police with information and receiving no follow-up, or officers failing to attend reported incidents. While police maintain progress is being made, public confidence remains fragile as extortion cases rise sharply in 2026.

Police response and recent arrests

Police agencies say information sharing is active behind the scenes but acknowledge limited public communication. An RCMP spokesperson said authorities are trying to balance transparency with protecting ongoing investigations and welcomed collaboration with the advisory committee.

Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski said community input is essential.

“Residents and business owners are asking difficult questions of police, and those questions are both valid and necessary,” he said.

Eby pointed to recent arrests as an example of the response residents expect. Over the weekend, police arrested three young men after a shooting and arson incident at a South Surrey home believed to be extortion-related. All three suspects are foreign nationals, according to police.

“We want more of what we saw in the last 36 hours,” Eby said. “Police were there within minutes, tracked suspects, and made arrests immediately. That’s what people expected from the beginning.”

However, the premier emphasized that enforcement must go beyond arresting low-level offenders.

“We need to root out the leaders of these operations, not just the foot soldiers,” he said.

Calls for federal action

Eby also urged the federal government to fast-track changes to Canada’s Criminal Code and immigration laws, saying reforms could allow police to share suspect information and close loopholes enabling some arrested individuals to claim refugee status.

“It’s probably the number one thing that needs to happen right now,” he said.

Federal authorities say they are investigating more than 100 foreign nationals suspected of links to extortion, with several deportations already completed.

As of early February, Surrey police report 46 extortion attempts, 11 extortion-related shootings, and one arson incident so far this year. In 2025, the city recorded 132 extortion attempts, including 49 shootings.

Opposition parties say the province’s response has come too late. Conservative critics argue the government ignored warnings from business owners and community members as the crisis escalated, calling for stronger and more immediate action to disrupt organized crime and protect residents living in fear.