Public rally held in Surrey amid rising extortion case numbers
Posted February 2, 2026 7:17 am.
Last Updated February 2, 2026 7:24 am.
For the second time this year, a public rally was held south of the Fraser River, with communities increasingly concerned over the ongoing extortion crisis.
The latest event was held Sunday at Bear Creek Park, hours after an extortion-related shooting and fire in the Crescent Beach area.
“I do not feel safe in Surrey.”
A home was shot at, and flames broke out near a fence on the property near Crescent Road and 132nd Street.
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says it arrested three men as they tried to get away in a rideshare vehicle.
“SPS officers, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service, and Delta Police Department officers all responded to assist. SPS officers in the area located a suspect vehicle driving nearby, and the occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. A short time later, three suspects were taken into custody near 28 Avenue and 140 Street after getting into a rideshare vehicle.”
The department’s Major Crime Section has taken over the case.
“The three men are currently in custody, and investigators are working to determine if they are connected to the shooting. No charges have yet been sworn at this early stage of the investigation, and investigators will be working to gather and analyze physical and digital evidence,” police said.
“Two vehicles have also been seized by investigators. This incident is believed to be related to extortions. SPS has been engaged with its law enforcement partners, including CBSA.”
Rajmeer Dhillon was one of the people at Sunday’s rally. He says he attended because he wants to show his support for the victims.
“I’m standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims, with the citizens and common public who are standing against extortionists.”
He’s among those calling on the federal government to toughen up laws to crack down on criminals.
“I do not feel safe in Surrey,” said Dhillon, adding he knows numerous people who have been impacted by the crisis.
Gary Purewal, who is part of the group that organized the rally, says he’s frustrated.
“Every time criminals are caught, their faces should be on the media, and their background information should be provided, and if the current MPs can’t do that, they should resign in 60 days,” Purewal said.
The SPS has said it will not be releasing photos of the suspects until they’ve been charged.
Purewal is unhappy with how the justice system has been handling extortion cases.
“When we have organized crime, there is no restorative justice,” he said.
“It does not work on criminals that are organized, that are international, and we need better laws to protect ourselves.”
There have been dozens of extortion cases and shots-fired calls in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Delta so far this year.
Later this month, Premier David Eby will meet with officials from four provinces at RCMP headquarters in Surrey to discuss extortions. The summit will include high-ranking officers from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. A firm date has yet to be released.
Eby says the prime minister has agreed to shift more resources to B.C., including up to 20 additional officers and a police helicopter.
-With files from Angelina Ravelli
