Joint CPS/EPS/RCMP statement on extortion series

Together, the Calgary Police Service (CPS), Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to addressing an ongoing series of extortion incidents targeting members of the South Asian community. Last week, representatives from all three agencies participated in a national meeting hosted in Surrey, B.C., where police leaders and investigators from across Canada came together to discuss this issue that is impacting communities nationwide. 

Last week’s meeting was a constructive and solutions focused discussion, centered on strengthening our collective investigative strategies, enhancing intelligence sharing practices and ensuring that the most effective resources are aligned to address these incidents. We recognize the significant concern this trend has created for South Asian families and businesses in our province, and we want the community to know that we are taking this issue extremely seriously. 

The CPS, EPS and Alberta RCMP remain fully committed to working collaboratively to strategically investigate, suppress and disrupt these extortion attempts. As we move forward, we will continue to take a proactive and co-ordinated approach, including meeting regularly with our policing counterparts across the country to share information, align enforcement actions and ensure we are collectively responding to emerging risks. 

Targeted violence and intimidation have no place in our province. All three police services are united in our efforts to protect the safety of our communities, hold offenders accountable and strengthen the trust and confidence of the public we serve. 

- CPS Chief Katie McLellan, EPS A/Chief Devin Laforce and RCMP Alberta Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux