Crime Stoppers takes 'unusual step' of accepting tips from extortion victims

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers said it's taking the "unusual step" of accepting tips from extortion victims amid ongoing threats and violence targeting South Asian businesses in Surrey, B.C., and elsewhere. 

Executive director Linda Annis said Tuesday that they've received more than 70 extortion-related tips in the past 18 months or so, and have forwarded them all to police.

Annis said it's a break from normal practice for the organization to accept tips from crime victims, since those in immediate need of help are usually encouraged to call police directly. 

However, she said they decided to relax the policy and accept information from targets of extortion, because their information may be valuable to police.

Annis, who is also a city councillor in Surrey, said in an interview that seeing extortion cases happening in her community is "completely unacceptable" and it's "terrifying" for residents. 

Many people who are targeted by extortion cases are afraid to come forward, she added. 

"They're afraid for their personal safety, or it may be that they come from a country where they're fearful of the police, so they're reluctant to come forward." 

Police said earlier this month that they had made two arrests in their investigation into widespread extortion of South Asian business leaders, but no charged had been laid. 

Some of the cases have been linked back to India, where gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi is said to be running the extortions from his prison cell. Premier David Eby has previously called on the federal government to declare the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the same terror request on Monday, saying that they want to send a message to gang members that they aren't welcome in the province. 

Annis said it's unfortunate that some victims are paying the extortion money rather than going to the police. 

"This doesn't help, and I would plead to people, don't pay. As soon as you get that call, call the police immediately and don't talk to the individual," said Annis, "Just hang up, get the number, and call the police."

She said Crime Stoppers is urging people with information to come forward if they are scared for their safety and don't want to be identified.

"Nobody knows who they are, and even if someone is arrested, goes to court, these individuals are protected by the Supreme Court of Canada."

Annis said the program is able to take tips in 115 different languages, including Hindi and Punjabi.

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, a spokesman for the Surrey Police Service, said they have received 30 reports of extortion between Jan. 1 and July 11, setting off investigations into each cases. 

Houghton said police believe extortion-related crimes have been under-reported previously, but with help from Crime Stoppers, victims can feel more comfortable phoning to provide.

"We have seen an increase in the number of calls to police in Surrey since Crime Stoppers launched their campaign."

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers said it's taking the "unusual step" of accepting tips from extortion victims amid ongoing threats and violence targeting South Asian businesses in Surrey, B.C., and elsewhere. 

Executive director Linda Annis said Tuesday that they've received more than 70 extortion-related tips in the past 18 months or so, and have forwarded them all to police.

Annis said it's a break from normal practice for the organization to accept tips from crime victims, since those in immediate need of help are usually encouraged to call police directly. 

However, she said they decided to relax the policy and accept information from targets of extortion, because their information may be valuable to police.

Annis, who is also a city councillor in Surrey, said in an interview that seeing extortion cases happening in her community is "completely unacceptable" and it's "terrifying" for residents. 

Many people who are targeted by extortion cases are afraid to come forward, she added. 

"They're afraid for their personal safety, or it may be that they come from a country where they're fearful of the police, so they're reluctant to come forward." 

Police said earlier this month that they had made two arrests in their investigation into widespread extortion of South Asian business leaders, but no charged had been laid. 

Some of the cases have been linked back to India, where gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi is said to be running the extortions from his prison cell. Premier David Eby has previously called on the federal government to declare the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the same terror request on Monday, saying that they want to send a message to gang members that they aren't welcome in the province. 

Annis said it's unfortunate that some victims are paying the extortion money rather than going to the police. 

"This doesn't help, and I would plead to people, don't pay. As soon as you get that call, call the police immediately and don't talk to the individual," said Annis, "Just hang up, get the number, and call the police."

She said Crime Stoppers is urging people with information to come forward if they are scared for their safety and don't want to be identified.

"Nobody knows who they are, and even if someone is arrested, goes to court, these individuals are protected by the Supreme Court of Canada."

Annis said the program is able to take tips in 115 different languages, including Hindi and Punjabi.

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, a spokesman for the Surrey Police Service, said they have received 30 reports of extortion between Jan. 1 and July 11, setting off investigations into each cases. 

Houghton said police believe extortion-related crimes have been under-reported previously, but with help from Crime Stoppers, victims can feel more comfortable phoning to provide.

"We have seen an increase in the number of calls to police in Surrey since Crime Stoppers launched their campaign."

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson