Home / Crime and Justice / Extortion and Arson Attacks Resurface in Edmonton's South Asian Community
Extortion and Arson Attacks Resurface in Edmonton's South Asian Community
29 Jul
Summary
- Police warn of extortion and arson attacks targeting South Asian homebuilders and business owners
- 6 new cases reported since May 2025, after previous 40 cases were resolved in 2024
- Victims have suffered financial losses and fear for their families' safety
In a concerning development, the Edmonton Police Service has reported a resurgence of extortion and arson attacks targeting the city's South Asian community. According to Interim Chief of Police Warren Dreichel, the police had previously resolved around 40 such incidents in 2024 through several arrests. However, since May 2025, the authorities have received 6 more reports of similar crimes.
The attacks, which have also been seen in other parts of Canada, typically involve threats and demands for large sums of money from affluent South Asian homebuilders and business owners. In one case, local businessman Ashish Verma said he received a message from extortionists demanding $100,000 and threatening to kidnap his children if he didn't pay up.
Dreichel stated that the recent incidents bear a striking resemblance to the previous wave of attacks, leading investigators to believe the crimes may be connected. The police are now working to determine if the latest cases are linked to the Bishnoi gang, which has been active in both Canada and India.
To address the issue, the Edmonton Police Service is urging members of the South Asian community to report any ongoing crimes and be vigilant for signs of youth involvement in gang activity. The authorities are also seeking support from provincial governments to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, which would grant investigators more resources and tools to combat the threat.
