Abbotsford police investigate extortion letters sent to businesses
Posted November 23, 2023 10:07 am.
Last Updated December 7, 2023 7:18 pm.
The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) says it is investigating extortion letters reportedly sent to multiple local businesses over the last week.
According to police, the identical letters demand businesses pay the sender in exchange for “protection from future violence.”
AbbyPD says the letters are generic and do not include any specifics about the businesses or the threats being made against them. They also do not indicate a method of payment, contact, or communication, police add.
“Our preliminary investigation indicates that these letters may have been sent en masse to commercial businesses,” said Const. Art Stele.
The BC RCMP says it’s now working alongside Abbotsford Police to address these incidents, as it believes the investigation in Abbotsford may be linked to similar incidents from across the Lower Mainland.
“Police acknowledge that the threats circulating to businesses, including a recent incident that involved shots being fired at a home in White Rock, are deeply concerning,” the RCMP stated.
Abbotsford Police add members of the community should not engage with whoever is responsible and are recommending people contact investigators “should they fear for their safety or have information about these attempted extortions.”
Anyone who has received this letter is advised by Abbotsford police to contact them at 604-859-5225.
