AI Generated Summary
- All incidents are allegedly linked to a $2 million extortion demand by gangster Goldy Dhillon, a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang—an organization with deep roots in transnational crime and a growing presence in Canada.
- , witnessed a chilling escalation in violence when multiple shots were fired at Satish Kumar’s accounting business in York Centre, marking the third such attack on his properties in a matter of days.
- While some official statistics suggest that violent crime in Surrey dropped slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story.
Surrey, B.C., witnessed a chilling escalation in violence when multiple shots were fired at Satish Kumar’s accounting business in York Centre, marking the third such attack on his properties in a matter of days. Just prior, his Reflection Banquet Hall and HUB Insurance Agency were also targeted. All incidents are allegedly linked to a $2 million extortion demand by gangster Goldy Dhillon, a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang—an organization with deep roots in transnational crime and a growing presence in Canada.
Extortion and Targeted Violence: A Growing Trend
These attacks are not isolated. Police in Surrey have confirmed a surge in extortion attempts against South Asian business owners, with at least ten formal complaints in the last six months alone. The violence has included arson, gunfire, and threats delivered via phone and social media, often demanding exorbitant sums under threat of harm. Law enforcement agencies across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario are now linking these crimes to organized gangs operating from abroad, particularly from the Indian state of Punjab.
The Broader Crime Landscape
While some official statistics suggest that violent crime in Surrey dropped slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story. Certain neighborhoods have seen increases in major crimes, and brazen gang-related shootings continue to endanger public safety. Across Canada, youth crime severity has also risen for the second consecutive year, with notable increases in violent offenses such as assault, robbery, and firearm-related crimes.
Community and Police Response
The South Asian community in Surrey has responded with resilience, organizing public safety forums and offering substantial rewards for information leading to arrests. Police have established dedicated teams to investigate extortion and are urging victims to come forward, emphasizing that silence only emboldens perpetrators. Despite these efforts, many victims remain fearful, often complying with demands rather than risking further violence.
Organized Crime’s Expanding Reach
The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to high-profile murders and transnational criminal activity, underscores a disturbing trend: Canadian soil is increasingly becoming a battleground for international gang rivalries and criminal enterprises. These organizations exploit diaspora connections and weaknesses in cross-border law enforcement, making it imperative for Canadian authorities to intensify cooperation with international partners and invest in robust community policing.
Time for Urgent Action
The recent shootings in Surrey are a wake-up call. Canada, once considered one of the world’s safest countries, is facing a new era of organized crime and targeted violence. It is no longer enough to rely on declining aggregate crime rates; we must confront the realities of extortion, gang warfare, and the fear that now shadows too many communities. Only through coordinated action—between police, governments, and citizens—can we hope to reclaim our sense of safety and justice.
