Threats and Extortion Forced Him to Rebuild His Life; He’s Not Alone

For months, Jas Arora, a businessman from Abbotsford, B.C., faced relentless extortion threats from anonymous callers. In August, those threats escalated when his son alerted him to a late-night disturbance: someone was hurling bottles filled with gasoline at their home.

Racing outside, Arora smelled gasoline and saw shattered glass littering the driveway. "My wife said, 'No, no, go inside right away … Please, shut down the lights and call the police immediately,'" he recalled.

Surveillance footage showed a figure in dark clothing outside their iron gate, and, as Arora spoke with police, his phone rang. The caller, speaking in Punjabi, demanded money within 72 hours, threatening his life.

Arora’s story is one of many cases involving violent extortion within B.C.’s South Asian community. Earlier this year, the RCMP held a news conference alleging involvement by Indian government agents in a campaign of threats and intimidation, followed by Canada expelling six Indian diplomats. Though the public exposure has brought some relief, community members remain cautious.

Arora, who owns a trucking company with over 300 trucks, recalls the first in-person threat in March 2023. A man demanded $2 million, saying otherwise, “they would kidnap and kill” him. Arora reported the incident to the police, but soon received a WhatsApp call demanding $1 million and warning, “When we shoot, don’t keep your family at home.”

Determined to keep his family safe, Arora installed extra security measures, including lights and cameras, and has avoided public spaces. He also keeps a German shepherd for protection. The threats have affected his son, Devon, who now feels the need to constantly assess his surroundings.

Although Arora’s family sometimes suggests it might be easier to pay the extortionists, he remains resolute. “I don’t feel like paying someone. It’s hard-earned money,” he said. As he contemplates an uncertain future, he knows he is not alone in his struggle.