Two big-city Canadian mayors are urging Justin Trudeau’s government to help create a multi-jurisdictional strategy to combat rising extortion threats toward businesses in their cities targeting South Asians.
In a letter sent to the public safety minister, the mayors of Brampton, and Surrey say they are deeply concerned for their communities due to the threats. “These incidents have instilled fear in our communities and highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response involving multiple jurisdictions,” said the letter signed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, according to The Toronto Star newspaper.
“We urge your ministry to recognize the inter-jurisdictional nature of these threats and to spearhead a co-ordinated response that ensures the safety and security of all affected communities across Canada,” they added. The mayors of the two cities with a significant number of South Asians said recent reports from their provinces have confirmed links between extortion attempts and violent acts, including shootings. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“It is imperative the federal government, through your ministry, takes a leading role in facilitating this collaboration,” the mayors wrote in their letter. “By leveraging the resources and intelligence capabilities of the RCMP, in concert with local law enforcement agencies, we can formulate a robust and unified approach to tackle this issue.”
Read More: Canada Police Reports ‘Disturbing Trend of Extortion’ Targeting South Asian Businesses
The public safety minister spokesperson said the Canadian police are working with local police forces on the issue. “These threats of extortion are deeply concerning,” Jean-Sébastien Comeau was quoted as saying in a statement by the Canadian newspaper. “If Canadians suspect they are the target of an extortion attempt, they should report it immediately to their local police force.”
Last month, Peel Regional Police launched a task force to look into a “disturbing trend” of extortion threats targeted towards the South Asian business community. “This has caused grave safety and security concerns among our community members,” Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah wrote in a December statement. “Terrorising our residents will not be tolerated.”
The victims, including ones from Indo-Canadian communities, are contacted through various social media platforms and demands for money allegedly are made under threats of violence. “Suspects … often know the victim’s name, phone number, address and business information,” the force said.
In one of Peel’s recent extortion cases, 23-year-old Tanmanjot Gill from Abbotsford, British Columbia, was arrested in December for discharging a gun and firing multiple rounds at a business near Rutherford Road South and Clark Boulevard in Brampton.
Comments
0 comment