In a significant breakthrough against organized crime, British Columbia authorities have arrested three individuals connected to an extortion scheme targeting South Asian business owners across Metro Vancouver. The arrests, announced Wednesday by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), mark a crucial development in an investigation that has revealed troubling patterns of intimidation within specific ethnic communities.
The suspects—Karan Brar, 22, Hashmeet Grewal, 19, and Amritpal Mander, 24—face multiple charges including extortion, firearms offenses, and participation in criminal organization activities. According to Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, who leads the CFSEU-BC, these arrests represent “just the beginning” of a broader effort to dismantle extortion networks that have caused widespread fear among South Asian entrepreneurs.
“These criminal groups are exploiting cultural vulnerabilities and community ties to target specific business owners,” Teboul explained during a press conference. “They’re using sophisticated intimidation tactics, including threats against family members both here and overseas, making victims particularly reluctant to come forward.”
The investigation began in February following reports of gunfire at business locations in Surrey and Abbotsford. Police analysis revealed that these incidents weren’t random acts of violence but calculated intimidation attempts linked to extortion demands. Business owners were reportedly receiving threatening communications demanding payments between $10,000 and $100,000 to ensure their “protection.”
Surrey RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards noted that investigators have identified over 20 connected incidents across the Lower Mainland since January. “We believe there are many more victims who haven’t reported these crimes due to fear of reprisals,” Edwards said. “We want to assure the community that we can protect them, but we need their cooperation.”
The police operation, which involved simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Surrey and Delta, yielded three handguns, ammunition, $10,000 in cash, and several vehicles allegedly used in the commission of these crimes. Investigators also seized cell phones containing evidence of extortion attempts and criminal organization communications.
Community leaders have welcomed the arrests while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. Satinder Singh, director of the BC South Asian Business Association, told CO24 News that many business owners have been operating under a cloud of fear. “These criminals are exploiting cultural sensitivities and family connections to silence victims. The community is relieved to see action, but this is just the beginning of rebuilding trust.”
Experts in organized crime patterns suggest these extortion schemes may be connected to international networks. Dr. Amanda Chen, criminologist at Simon Fraser University, explained to CO24 Canada that “these operations often follow templates established in other countries, with local adaptations. The targeting of specific ethnic communities isn’t random—it’s strategic exploitation of perceived vulnerabilities and cultural reluctance to engage with law enforcement.”
The RCMP and CFSEU-BC have established a dedicated tip line for affected business owners and have promised anonymity for those coming forward. They’ve also created a specialized task force with officers who speak Punjabi, Hindi, and other South Asian languages to facilitate communication with potential victims.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth addressed the arrests during a legislative session, calling the extortion schemes “utterly unacceptable” and promising additional resources to combat organized crime groups targeting vulnerable communities. “No business owner should have to operate under threat of violence,” Farnworth stated. “These arrests demonstrate our commitment to dismantling these criminal operations.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging businesses that have experienced similar threats to come forward. The question now facing both law enforcement and the community is whether these arrests will embolden other victims to break their silence, or whether the deep-seated fear these criminal organizations have cultivated will continue to shield many extortion operations from exposure.
