Canada is losing control of a major city to gangsters

Canada Faces Growing Alarm as Gang Extortion Grips Surrey

Concerns are mounting that Canada is losing control of Surrey, B.C as a wave of violent extortion linked to organized crime continues to escalate despite multiple government interventions.

This week, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced the appointment of an “extortion czar” in an effort to address the growing crisis. Former RCMP officer Paul Dadwal has been tasked with leading a new community advisory committee aimed at improving coordination between police and affected communities, particularly small business owners who have been repeatedly targeted.

The move is the latest in a series of high-profile responses as extortion-related shootings, arson attacks and threats increasingly dominate headlines in Surrey.

In September, the federal government designated the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang which authorities say is linked to many of the extortion cases as a terrorist organization. More recently, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the deployment of two RCMP helicopters to support enforcement efforts in the region.

Surrey City Council has also taken the extraordinary step of calling for a state of emergency, citing daily incidents tied to organized extortion networks.

Violence and Fear Spread Across Communities

Police say criminals have been sending threatening letters and messages to businesses, demanding cash payments. When demands are ignored, violence often follows including shootings and arson attacks.

While early incidents primarily targeted small auto shops and retail businesses, attacks have grown more brazen. In September, Surrey’s Swift 1200 AM radio station was hit by gunfire. Since the start of the new year, police have reported near-daily incidents involving suspected extortionists.

On Jan. 19, officers responded to a business in East Cloverdale that had been riddled with bullets overnight. A similar shooting was reported the following day in the Newton neighbourhood.

Authorities say the South Asian community has been disproportionately affected, with victims often fearful of retaliation if they speak publicly.

Broader Systemic Issues

Officials and analysts warn the crisis is being fueled by deeper systemic challenges, including an overburdened immigration system and a justice system critics say struggles to detain or deport foreign-based organized crime figures.

Despite increased policing and political attention, violence continues to spread, raising questions about whether current measures are enough to restore public confidence and safety.

As governments race to respond, residents and business owners in Surrey remain on edge, facing an uncertain future as the extortion crisis shows little sign of slowing.