Edmonton homebuilders targeted by extortion arming themselves, bolstering security measures
People speaking to CTV News Edmonton on condition of anonymity about a spate of extortions related to arsons and shootings since October say they fear speaking out, with some now taking measures to try to protect themselves, their families and their property.
Edmonton police say 10 local homebuilders have been targeted in the extortion attempts.
Police held a town hall about the extortion wave on Thursday night for Edmonton's South Asian community, attended by 250 people. They're asking more people to step forward with any information about the threats.
Since mid-October, 34 events — a combination of arsons, extortion attempts, shootings, threats, and reports of suspicious vehicles or people — have been reported to police. Ten homebuilders of South Asian origin have been targeted, although other people are believed to have been victimized as mistaken targets.
During an update on the case Thursday, investigators revealed they have identified "12 targets and many more associates" connected to the criminal network that is orchestrating the crimes.
One of the 12 has fled to India but has "historical ties to Edmonton," police said.
Police also believe the scheme is being orchestrated out of India. However, the people behind the fires and shootings have all been young men (and one boy) from Edmonton's South Asian community.
CTV News Edmonton has heard some people targeted by extortion have taken drastic defensive steps such as acquiring firearms licences, spending up to $3,000 a day on security for their homes and properties, and investing tens of thousands of dollars in upgraded security systems.
Another common story CTV News Edmonton has heard is who is extorting them and how.
The anonymous sources say the man extorting them is someone they know, or know of, who once lived in Edmonton.
They tell CTV News Edmonton he calls from overseas through WhatsApp, introducing himself and demanding money.
They say violence has followed soon after the calls when the man they say is extorting them is told 'no,' leading to more extortion attempts and threats.
CTV News is working to confirm the name of the man alleged to be behind the extortions.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alexandra Antoneshyn
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.