Police in Surrey, B.C., are taking the rare step of releasing an image of a foreign national who has been removed from Canada as it investigates extortion violence that has plagued the city.
The photo is of 20-year-old Prabhjot Singh, who was linked to extortion violence early this year before being arrested and removed by the Canada Border Services Agency after an immigration investigation.
Police say they determine the release of suspects' photos on a case-by-case basis, "based on the legal necessity to seek assistance from the public with police investigations."
They say they are hoping Singh's photo will prompt more witnesses, victims and associates to come forward as police investigate the latest spike in extortion violence, including a number of cases where shots were fired at buildings.
The City of Surrey has established a $250,000 reward fund for information that can assist in resolving extortion-related cases.
Police say there have been 91 extortion cases in Surrey this year as of April 27, with 16 related shootings, two arsons and 49 victims, 27 of those are repeat victims.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Surrey Police
