‘Not standing still’: Abbotsford police chief calls for justice system reforms as extortion fears grow

The chief of the Abbotsford Police Department is adding his voice to a chorus calling for more action to curb extortion-related violence.

The Abbotsford Police Department’s chief constable is calling for urgent justice system reforms as the force responds to growing concerns about extortion in the community.

In a news release Tuesday, Chief Const. Colin Watson said the detachment is reaffirming its ongoing commitment to public safety and strengthening relationships with the people it serves.

“I want the Abbotsford community to know that we hear their concerns regarding extortions. We understand the fear this creates, and we are not standing still,” Watson said in a statement. “AbbyPD is fully committed to confronting this crisis, side-by-side with the people we serve.”

Abbotsford police told CTV News that a total of 89 extortion-related cases were recorded in the city between November 2023 and February 2026. During that period, 10 shootings were linked to extortion incidents.

The detachment added that there were 59 reported extortion cases in 2025, and six of those cases involved shootings.

In 2026 so far, 11 extortion-related cases have been reported, none of which involved shootings, according to police.

The crimes have left business owners fearful.

“They’re afraid to leave their home, they’re not attending the office at regular times and they’re trying to run their businesses from home,” said Gurbir Brar, recording secretary at Khalsa Diwan Society Abbotsford.

Officials said extortion attempts often rely on fear tactics, leaving victims reluctant to come forward. They added that strengthening public trust and awareness is key in their response.

“In recent days, we have met directly with local faith and business leaders to discuss our progress and next steps,” police said in the statement. “We have also engaged the Abbotsford Extortion Community Advisory Group, which was established in December in partnership with local community leaders, to hear concerns and help guide and adapt our strategies. We have also met directly with victims of extortion and related violence to hear their concerns.”

Brar said some business owners are hesitant approaching police, “…just because of, you know, perhaps previous experiences or… coming from foreign countries themselves as immigrants, so maybe they haven’t had positive experiences with police back home.”

But he says Abbotsford police have made efforts to reach out to the community and help victims.

“The public confidence in the police, I believe it’s higher than other jurisdictions,” he said.

Police said they have identified reforms they believe would bolster public safety, including updates to the Criminal Code, and improving access to justice system resources. However, while some steps are underway, police added that the situation demands faster, more co-ordinated efforts.

“We (you) have a unique opportunity to act. I ask you to speak with your local police leaders directly and maintain an open dialogue to ensure that you have a fulsome understanding of the challenges, and then work urgently, across party lines, to make the changes needed to keep our communities safe,” Watson said.

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens, who is also the chair of the Abbotsford Police Board, echoed the same concerns, saying the city supports police efforts to address the complex challenges posed by extortion.

“The City of Abbotsford has consistently called for meaningful criminal justice reform as it relates to serious crime,” said Siemens. “We fully support AbbyPD’s call for the resources and systemic reforms needed to tackle the extortion crisis, get prolific criminals off the streets, and keep people safe.”