AI Generated Summary
- In a press note released on Wednesday, the task force made it clear that immigration or refugee status would not offer protection to anyone found involved in criminal activity.
- Canadian authorities have widened their crackdown on a string of extortion cases that have rattled communities across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, with investigators now examining the involvement of more than a hundred foreign nationals.
- Since the task force began its work, authorities have obtained nearly 100 judicial authorisations and executed multiple search warrants in the Lower Mainland, the Southeast District of British Columbia and parts of Alberta.
Canadian authorities have widened their crackdown on a string of extortion cases that have rattled communities across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, with investigators now examining the involvement of more than a hundred foreign nationals.
The British Columbia Extortion Task Force, set up by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) last year, has identified 111 foreign nationals whose roles are under investigation. Several of those being scrutinised are suspected to be from the Punjabi community, officials said, though they stressed that the inquiry is evidence-driven and not community-specific.
Investigators are currently analysing hundreds of hours of closed-circuit television footage, alongside digital and forensic material, in an effort to trace networks believed to be operating across multiple jurisdictions. The cases involve threats and demands for money that have targeted businesses and individuals, creating an atmosphere of fear in some neighbourhoods.
In a press note released on Wednesday, the task force made it clear that immigration or refugee status would not offer protection to anyone found involved in criminal activity. “No one is above the law,” the statement said, underscoring that asylum claims or refugee protections would not prevent criminal charges or immigration action where warranted.
The task force was formally launched on September 17, 2025, and has since taken over 32 extortion-related files from police agencies across British Columbia. According to the RCMP, the past four months have seen an intensive effort to connect seemingly isolated incidents, dismantle organised groups, and prevent further offences.
Beyond reviewing existing cases, investigators are also assessing new complaints to determine whether they are linked to the same extortion networks. At the same time, the task force is supporting local police departments across the province by sharing intelligence and resources.
The operation has involved close cooperation with national policing partners and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), particularly where potential immigration violations are suspected. Since the task force began its work, authorities have obtained nearly 100 judicial authorisations and executed multiple search warrants in the Lower Mainland, the Southeast District of British Columbia and parts of Alberta.
So far, seven individuals have been criminally charged in connection with the extortion investigations. Officials say more charges are possible as evidence continues to be reviewed.
On the immigration front, the CBSA confirmed that it is probing all 111 identified foreign nationals for possible inadmissibility to Canada. As of January 20, 2026, nine individuals have already been removed from the country following enforcement action.
Police officials emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and urged victims of extortion to come forward. They said community cooperation remains crucial to breaking the cycle of intimidation and ensuring those responsible are held accountable under Canadian law.
