Surrey launches $250,000 reward fund as extortion cases climb to 44 this year

Surrey’s mayor and police chief announced a reward fund for information leading to convictions in a rash of cases targeting South Asian businesses.

Surrey, B.C. — Surrey officials have announced what they call one of the largest police rewards in Canadian history, as the city confronts a surge in extortion cases that have left families and businesses living in fear.

On Monday, Mayor Brenda Locke said the city is putting up a $250,000 reward fund to help Surrey police secure convictions in the ongoing investigations. The fund, approved by city council last week, will provide payments to individuals who come forward with information that directly leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Locke said all the money is being funded by Surrey and that the city has not gotten the support from the provincial and federal governments that she had hoped for.

“As of today, there are 44 extortion files in Surrey this year, including 27 that involved shootings,” Locke said. “These are serious, organized crimes that extend beyond borders. They are a Canadian problem, affecting Canadian businesses and Canadian residents in several cities, and we will confront them here in Surrey. I have heard from families how frightening it is to hear gunfire right outside their home while their children are sleeping. Everyone has the right to live and work without fear, and we need anyone with information to come forward before someone gets hurt or worse.”

The Surrey Police Service has said that victims have been reluctant to come forward for fear of retaliation, so Chief Const. Norm Lipinski admits that the current statistics are likely not reflective of how many cases have actually occurred.

“Realistically, it’s probably underreported, but we do have, I think, momentum and people coming forward and us working with them and gathering that evidence,” said Lipinski.

Police say reward is a new tool

Lipinski welcomed the funding, calling it a significant step in supporting investigators and community safety.

“The Surrey Extortion Reward Fund will provide police with another important tool to address this most urgent issue in our community,” Lipinski said. “It is our hope this will motivate individuals to call our new tip line to provide evidence to police that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”

The Surrey extortion tip line — 236-485-5149 — is being staffed by investigators seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with Punjabi-speaking officers available as needed.

Targeting South Asian businesses

Many of the cases under investigation involve threats and violence aimed at Surrey’s South Asian business community. Police say victims have been pressured to hand over money under the threat of shootings or arsons.

Community leaders say the crimes are not just financial — they’ve left families rattled, neighbourhoods fearful, and business owners afraid to speak out.

Two suspects were arrested earlier this summer, but officials say the problem is far from over. Locke stressed the $250,000 reward is meant to send a message that Surrey will not tolerate intimidation and violence.

Lipinski said the reward money will be given out based on the quality of the tip. “There may be a number of people coming forth with different levels of important information. And so, there will be an assessment of that information, and then the money will be assigned accordingly,” he said.

A national problem

Extortion cases linked to South Asian businesses have been reported in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, prompting the RCMP to launch a national unit last year to co-ordinate police responses.

Investigators say at least some of the threats may have originated in India.

CTV News has reached out to the solicitor general and public safety minister’s office for comment.