Police in Canada are investigating a series of extortions and related crimes that they believe are orchestrated by a suspect in India and involve criminals in Edmonton, Alberta, targeting the region’s affluent South Asian people..
Edmonton police say they believe a criminal network in India is behind extortions targeting people of Indian origin in the Alberta capital.
The city’s force said it is investigating 27 incidents, including 5 extortions, 15 arsons, and seven firearms offenses – believed to be linked to a criminal network orchestrated from India and carried out by local accomplices. Property damage from the fires and shootings is estimated at $ 9 million.
In Edmonton, the prime target is homebuilders of South Asian origin. Staff Sgt. Paton said the people victimized are mainly of Indian descent. He said police believe criminals are focusing on home builders because they consider them “affluent and able to provide funds.”
Six young men have been charged in connection with the extortions – an announcement made earlier this month – but Staff Sgt. Paton said Thursday that one of these suspects has “likely left” Canada. He declined to identify this person.
