India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has said that India is open to assisting in the investigation of gangs linked to extortion targeting Indo-Canadians. However, formal requests from Ottawa, along with evidence, are necessary. The remarks came as police in Edmonton, Alberta, revealed their belief that 27 crimes, including extortions, were “orchestrated from India.”
“Canadians are yet to request, with evidence,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times. “If specific and relevant evidence — not merely unsubstantiated allegations — are shared with us, pointing to links between Canadian extortionists and Indian gangsters, we shall act accordingly,” he added.
Police in Canada are probing a series of extortions and related crimes that involve criminals in Edmonton, Alberta, targeting South Asian people. In what Edmonton Police described as a new trend in Canada, victims typically receive a WhatsApp message along with a request for compensation for the victims’ safety.
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There have been similar incidents reported in British Columbia and Ontario, though police said there was no evidence to suggest those incidents are related to the ones in the Edmonton area. Police said they so far have reports of 27 incidents between October and January, including extortions, arson, and drive-by shootings. “At this time, we believe the series has been committed by a group of local individuals being directed by a suspect in India,” Edmonton police inspector Lance Parker told reporters.
Police have arrested six young males in connection with the arson and firearms offenses, Parker said. No injuries have been reported from the shootings, though a firefighter was injured in one of the arsons, and at least USD 6.7 million in property damage had been recorded. This comes as diplomatic ties between India and Canada have frayed in recent months over Canada’s allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year. India has rejected that allegation and asked Canada to furnish proof.
Two big-city Canadian mayors recently urged Justin Trudeau’s government to help create a multi-jurisdictional strategy to combat rising extortion threats toward businesses. In a letter sent to the public safety minister, the mayors of Brampton, and Surrey say they are deeply concerned for their communities due to the threats.
“These incidents have instilled fear in our communities and highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response involving multiple jurisdictions,” said the letter signed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, according to The Toronto Star newspaper. “We urge your ministry to recognize the inter-jurisdictional nature of these threats and to spearhead a co-ordinated response that ensures the safety and security of all affected communities across Canada,” they added.
(With agency inputs)
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