In Abbotsford, British Columbia, families and business owners are facing an increase in extortion-related threats, with police noting a rise in both frequency and violence. Victims report receiving numerous anonymous phone calls, text messages, and threats of violence, causing fear and distress.
Abbotsford police have confirmed 38 extortion-related incidents reported between November 2023 and September 2025, with most cases involving non-violent methods such as threatening communication demanding money. However, recent incidents in September saw a disturbing escalation, including shootings targeting homes and an arson attack on several vehicles at a business.
To address the escalating situation, the Abbotsford Police Department has initiated Operation Community Shield, one of the largest internal officer reassignments in response to such threats, emphasizing the need to restore security and safety in affected neighborhoods.
A provincial task force has been set up to investigate extortion threats across various British Columbia communities, with experienced officers from different departments being reassigned to the local task force. Some officers are on standby teams to respond promptly to emerging cases, while two officers are part of the provincial task force to facilitate communication on cross-jurisdictional investigations.
Despite police advice against paying extortion demands, some victims, out of fear and ongoing violence, have resorted to complying. The complexity of extortion investigations requires significant time and evidence gathering to pursue charges, causing frustration among victims but emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, linked to extortion threats in the South Asian community, is a focus of investigations, with the federal government designating it as a terrorist entity to combat its criminal activities more effectively. The willingness of victims and communities to come forward remains a challenge in investigating extortion cases, with efforts being made to encourage reporting and improve outreach to victims for enhanced confidence and support.
While the victim’s safety in Abbotsford remains a concern, the implementation of the local task force offers hope for increased police presence and action, although personal vigilance and safety measures are still crucial for individuals in the face of ongoing threats.