Edmonton police are currently investigating at least 27 cases of extortion and arson, with a pattern targeting South Asian communities in the area. The crimes have resulted in the destruction of homes, disruption of businesses, and upheaval of lives. Families in the affected communities are living in fear, and frustration is growing as investigators reveal that the masterminds behind the crimes are believed to be located outside of Canada.
At a news conference held earlier this afternoon, Edmonton police shared updates on their investigation, suggesting that the criminal network orchestrating these acts is based abroad, specifically pointing to India. The belief is that those directly carrying out the offenses reside within the Edmonton region.
According to recent developments, the number of incidents has risen from 18 earlier this month to the current count of 27. The acts include 15 cases of arson, primarily targeting homes under construction, owned by South Asian developers. The criminals are using the popular social media platform WhatsApp to deliver extortion messages, demanding significant amounts of money. Failure to comply results in property damage or, in more severe cases, arson.
The police have also reported several shootings, including a drive-by shooting at a home earlier this month. While law enforcement agencies are collaborating across the country to address similar patterns, no direct connections have been established between the Edmonton incidents and those in other jurisdictions, such as Ontario and British Columbia.
EPS Staff Sergeant David Paton emphasized, “At this point, I can say that we have no information to believe that it is related, that this network and the occurrences that are happening in our city and our region are linked whatsoever to any investigations that are occurring in any other jurisdiction in Canada.”
The victims of these crimes are primarily affluent and well-known home builders and developers within the South Asian community. The ongoing threat has led to a climate of fear, with many developers removing ads and signs around their properties to minimize the risk of being targeted.
The situation remains volatile, with uncertainty looming over the affected communities as they grapple with the ongoing wave of extortion and arson.