Edmonton new-home arsons linked to extortion scheme: sources
Brand new, unoccupied homes have been going up in flames all over Edmonton, and sources tell CTV News Edmonton the fires are related to an extortion scheme.
In November, a new build was destroyed in the southeast neighbourhood of Aster.
A week later, a house on the same block was burned.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services says between Nov. 1 and Jan. 2, there have been nine fires involving new or under-construction residential structures.
Three of those fires happened in the last week.
All of those fires are being investigated as arson or have been confirmed to be deliberately set.
Most of the builders of the homes are members of the South Asian community.
Multiple sources say the builders have been receiving extortion demands and threats.
The person behind the threat demands a large sum of money.
When the builders don't pay, their homes are being burnt down.
In a video captured by a resident in west Edmonton, where two homes were set on fire last week, two men appear to light a fire at the side of the home before leaving the scene.
A member of the South Asian community, who CTV News has agreed to keep anonymous for his safety, says the threats are being received through WhatsApp, phone calls and other social media.
"Every builder has hired dozens of security guards to protect their properties, and protect themselves and their houses," he said.
"I've heard some builders have set up big screen cameras in their homes and they're staying up all night."
Edmonton isn't the only community where businesses are being targeted.
In Ontario, Peel police have launched a task force after recent extortion attempts targeting the South Asian business community.
In B.C., a shooting at a White Rock home was connected to an extortion letter targeting business owners.
Two men have been arrested in that case.
Former B.C. Minister of Public Safety Kash Heed says Edmonton police need to suppress the extortion incidents in Edmonton immediately before the individuals behind it become emboldened.
"Politicians have to look at this as a priority for the South Asian community or we're going to have people die and we're going to have more violence," he told CTV News.
The anonymous source agrees.
"They have started with the South Asian community but it will not stay a South Asian problem. If someone gets a taste of this kind of bad money, they're going to go after everyone," he said.
The Edmonton Police Service says it has a dedicated project team working on the investigation.
They expect to release more information soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.