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
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.