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Conservative Critic Releases Letter to Attorney General on Developing Extortion Crisis in British Columbia


“British Columbians deserve a government that takes their safety seriously. This government’s permissive inaction is endangering lives and emboldening criminals. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to address this serious public safety crisis.”  

Steve Kooner, Critic for Attorney General & MLA for Richmond-Queensborough 


Victoria, BC: Conservative Critic for Attorney General MLA Steve Kooner is releasing his recent letter to Attorney General of British Columbia (BC) Niki Sharma demanding urgent action following repeat shootings at a Surrey family home that are now under investigation by the Surrey Police Service (SPS) as organized criminal extortion.

The letter follows yet another potential extortion case where attackers shot at Reflections Banquet Hall in Surrey on June 7, 2025. Community members and an owner of the Banquet Hall have spoken out, alleging an attempt at extortion by organized crime. SPS have confirmed the business sustained gunfire damage.

Despite repeat attacks and a brazen campaign of intimidation targeting the South Asian community in BC, the Attorney General and provincial government remain silent. MLA Kooner’s letter outlines several actions the government must take, including establishing a police task force to investigate foreign organized crime, tougher penalties including deportations for foreign nationals, and improved support for affected communities to rebuild trust with law enforcement.


MLA Kooner’s letter to the Attorney General, sent June 9, 2025, continues in full below. 


Date: June 9, 2025


To: The Honourable Niki Sharma, MLA
Attorney General of British Columbia
Government of British Columbia

Re: Action Required on Organized Criminal Extortions in British Columbia


Dear Hon. Niki Sharma,

I write to you with deep concern following a second targeted shooting at a family home in Surrey’s Panorama Ridge neighbourhood, now under investigation by the Surrey Police Service (SPS) as yet another case of organized criminal extortion.

Despite a visible police presence from SPS, the property was brazenly attacked and fired upon with dozens of rounds. This is the second such incident targeting this home in recent weeks, and part of a disturbing trend of organized criminal extortions across the province. And yet you and your Ministry remain silent.

No action has been taken since your appearance at a town hall on the issue last year. Your mandate letter neglects to address extortion, despite the federal government making it abundantly clear the administration of justice is a provincial responsibility.

South Asian business owners across the province, particularly in Surrey and other areas of the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, continue to face intimidation, extortion, and targeted violence from organized gangs; many with international criminal connections.

As Critic for Attorney General, I am deeply alarmed by your government’s ongoing failure to meaningfully acknowledge or respond to these escalating threats.

High-profile instances of organized criminal extortion are no longer isolated to other parts of the country: We are now witnessing a coordinated extortion campaign in British Columbia (BC) similar to those seen in Ontario and Alberta. In other parts of the country, extortion has led to a serious decline in public safety and even murders.

Your lack of communication as Attorney General on these serious instances of violence and extortion leave the affected families and businesses feeling abandoned.


Conservatives are therefore calling for immediate action:

  • Partner with South Asian businesses to restore trust with law enforcement, 

  • Launch anonymous, multilingual reporting lines for instances of extortion,

  • Close loopholes and ensure quicker convictions for intimidation & extortion,

  • Work with the federal government to increase penalties for organized crime extortion & intimidation cases, including deportation for foreign nationals, 

  • Establish a joint task force between RCMP and local BC law enforcement to address increased instances of transnational crime across the province,

  • Improve international cooperation on extradition and foreign crime financing,

  • Investigate foreign crime in BC, including alleged links to Indian gangs.


British Columbians deserve a government that takes their safety seriously. This government’s permissive inaction is endangering lives and emboldening criminals. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to address this serious public safety crisis.

Yours respectfully,

Steve Kooner, MLA, Richmond-Queensborough
Critic for Attorney General, Conservative Caucus of British Columbia

 

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