Surrey business owners facing extortion threats as police launch new investigative team

There is growing tension in Surrey’s South Asian business community after a man was fatally shot in his store earlier this week.

A Surrey business owner says his life and family are being threatened as part of a growing wave of extortion targeting members of the city’s South Asian business community.

Satish Kumar recently received a chilling voicemail demanding millions of dollars.

"If you don’t give $2 million, we’re going to shoot your family,” the message said.

Earlier this month, Kumar’s banquet hall in Surrey was riddled with bullets, damage that cost him tens of thousands of dollars to repair. He says he’s now paying for private security to protect himself and his family.

"It’s very scary ... but you have to face the problem. Otherwise, what are you going to do?" Kumar said.

On Wednesday, Satwinder Sharma of Abbotsford was shot and killed at his business in Surrey’s Fleetwood neighbourhood. Police have not confirmed whether that killing is related to the extortion cases.

So far this year, Surrey police have received 10 reports linked to extortion, but officers believe the true number is much higher.

"This is traditionally underreported. That’s why we’re asking community members to come forward," said Sgt. Tige Pollock of the Surrey Police Service.

No arrests have been made in connection with the extortion complaints, but police are hoping that will change with the formation of a new Extortion Investigations Team, acknowledging that the crimes can pose jurisdictional challenges.

“There have been criminal organizations outside of Canada that have engaged in these acts," Pollock said.

BC Conservative MLA Steve Kooner says he’s been hearing from business owners who have already paid extortion demands, losing tens of thousands of dollars.

“There are concerns that some may have ties to foreign gangs," Kooner said.

He is pressing the province to step up its response and work with the federal government to address the growing issue.

“More needs to be done by the provincial government," Kooner added. “The B.C. provincial government should be talking to these foreign countries and seeing if they can find a solution.”

In a statement, B.C.’s Public Safety Ministry says the province spends more than $100 million a year on programs targeting guns, gangs and organized crime.

Despite the threats, Kumar says he is not backing down. This Sunday, he’s organizing a public forum, inviting business owners, police, and government leaders. He expects around 1,000 people to attend.

"Awaken the public. Get together and face this extortion problem," he said.

The Surrey Police Service is urging anyone who receives an extortion threat to call 911.