Extortions, arsons targeting South Asian businesses on the rise, Edmonton police warn

Edmonton police warned a crowded town hall on Monday night that extortions and arsons similar to ones that targeted members of the South Asian community across the city and elsewhere in Canada about a year ago have seen a resurgence in recent months.

Interim Chief of Police Warren Driechel said the attacks in Edmonton had stopped after several suspects were arrested in 2024 in connection to about 40 extortions and arsons targeting affluent South Asian home builders and business owners.