Amid Surrey’s ongoing extortion crisis, which has the mayor calling on federal authorities to declare a state of emergency, Surrey police have released a bizarre video shot by Sikh police officer Rupi Bansi to appeal to those who may have fallen into a gangster’s trap. “Have you been asked to help someone extort money from someone else? Have you been offered money to shoot up homes or businesses? Or send threatening messages to people? Don’t be fooled,” said Sgt. “You are being offered a small amount of money to take a huge risk that could harm you, your family and the people who work hard every day. This is not why you came to Canada. You came to school, to look for a better life, to be the first in your family to start something new,” the reminder added. “For many of you, your family or your temple sponsored you. Committing these crimes does not deserve the shame and disappointment of those who have given so much. Do not risk arrest, imprisonment and deportation from Canada,” police said, announcing a $250,000 reward for any information related to the racketeering. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the city of Surrey is facing an unprecedented crisis and residents and business owners are living in constant fear. “Our laws are too weak. Canada’s law enforcement tools are inadequate to protect the public from the scale of extortion and violence we are experiencing. Surrey is entering the third year of this crisis. We need strong federal leadership to protect Canadian communities and restore public confidence,” she said in a statement calling on the federal government to take immediate action. Extortion gangs have become extremely powerful in Surrey, with their main targets being people from the South Asian community. They shoot into the target’s house, record the video, and then send the video to the target to extort money. Most victims do not even report the crime to the police, fearing there will be more trouble once the offender is released on bail, which happens in most cases.
