UPDATE: Police did not allow video recording to take place at the meeting but told attendees their investigation is now looking into 34 separate incidents that have resulted in a total of about $9 million in property damage. Ten detectives are working on the investigating task force full-time while 100 more officers are helping. Deputy Chief Devin Laforce said police are also taking steps to address “young people that are being influenced and being radicalized into this gang activity.”
Members of the Edmonton Police Service are meeting with community members Thursday evening to discuss the ongoing extortion series occurring in and around the city.
The EPS will host a townhall at 7 p.m., at the Ridgewood Community League located at 3705 Millwoods Rd.
The EPS described the townhall as a “crucial community meeting to discuss the arson and extortion series.”
“This meeting will provide a platform to address concerns, share information and strengthen the bond that makes our city resilient,” read a post promoting the event on the EPS website.
The mayor’s office has confirmed to Global News that Mayor Amarjeet Sohi will be in attendance.
Edmonton police are investigating 27 incidents related to the ongoing extortion series targeting members of the South Asian community. Since October, there have been five extortions, 15 arsons and seven firearms offences, according to the EPS.
Police believe the incidents are orchestrated in India, and people are demanding money from local homebuilders in exchange for protection. Those who don’t pay have their new home builds, show homes or related property set ablaze, police said.
Ravi Prakash, the chair of the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce, believes the meeting is going to be crucial, and that it will be well attended.
“I think people want to hear from the police (about) what they are doing, what is the progress,” Prakash said.
“Is there any progress happening or not happening?”
Prakash believes it will a good brainstorming opportunity between community members, police and local government. He was pleased to learn Sohi will be taking part in the townhall.
“We rely on him. We understand that it is his responsibility because it is his community and if he is participating and supporting in any case, it’s a good situation for everyone,” Prakash said.
“You have to be with the community and their ups and downs.”
Prakash is also encouraged that he hasn’t heard of any recent events in the Edmonton area, but believes the conversation needs to continue.
We need the solution for this,” he said. “This is not a very normal-case scenario here.
“If we are able to come together and if we can somehow make sure that it should not happen again in our community, that would be the best thing.”
Similar incidents are happening in other areas of Canada, including British Columbia and Ontario. On Wednesday, Peel Regional Police said its taskforce is investigating 29 cases of extortion and has made five arrests.
In a statement to Global News on Thursday, Surrey RCMP said its investigation into extortion continues, and includes liaising with police partners in other jurisdictions.
“There has been significant coordination underway here in B.C. to advance these investigations,” the statement reads. “And while we can’t speak to the specifics at this time progress has been made.
“Investigators have access to the resources, tools and supports necessary to advance these investigations and hold those responsible accountable. Our efforts are not limited by geographic boundaries and are using the wide-reaching law enforcement networks in place throughout our country and beyond.
“We have been meeting with business owners to provide education and security recommendations on how to protect their businesses as well as we have increased patrols of the area.”
People who want to attend Thursday night’s townhall can register on the EPS website.
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