Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an ongoing RCMP-led investigation into a series of extortions in the Lower Mainland, authorities announced Thursday.The arrests, made Thursday, stem from incidents in Surrey in 2024 and involve charges of careless discharge of a firearm and arson. The individuals are also being investigated for their role in a broader extortion scheme that began in late 2023 and has primarily targeted members of the South Asian business community.RCMP have not released their names..Police say victims were threatened with demands for large sums of money and, in many cases, suffered acts of violence or property damage when those demands were not met.In response, a Joint Force Operation (JFO) was formed in January 2025 to coordinate the investigation. The specialized team includes officers from the RCMP’s Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, Abbotsford Police Department, RCMP Federal Policing — Pacific Region, and the BC RCMP Major Crime Section. A civilian criminal analyst from the Surrey Police Service is also part of the team.While the JFO focuses on linked extortion cases, unrelated matters continue to be handled by local police. The investigation also receives support from the RCMP National Coordination and Support Team and involves collaboration with regional, national, and international law enforcement partners..“These arrests are reflective of a shared commitment amongst law enforcement to coordinate efforts, leverage regional resources, and gather the necessary evidence to pursue criminal charges,” said Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, Lower Mainland District Assistant District Commander and Operations Officer. “These investigations take time and for strategic investigative reasons, details of the coordinated policing efforts have not been shared publicly.”Police continue to urge anyone who is the target of an extortion attempt to avoid complying with demands, preserve all communications, and contact local authorities immediately.
