Extortion cases on the rise in Abbotsford, some involve shootings or arson

Abbotsford has seen an uptick in extortion cases threatening residents in recent months. According to the Abbotsford Police Department, while most extortion attempts involve nonviolent methods such as threatening texts or telephone calls, the police have seen an increase in violent extortion attempts. Some of the recent violent attempts have involved shootings and/or arson. 

Between November 2023 and September 2025, the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) received 38 reports of extortion. Two incidents that occurred in November 2023 involved violence such as shootings or arson. Most of the subsequent attempts have used nonviolent means, including threatening letters, emails, text messages, and phone calls. 

“These events, and others throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond, have shaken our sense of security,” said AbbyPD Chief Constable Colin Watson. “We share the concerns we have heard and are fully committed to ensuring public safety in our community.”

AbbyPD created a new task force dedicated to tackling extortion called “Operation Community Shield.” 

The creation of AbbyPD’s new internal task force comes two weeks after the province announced the creation of a provincial task force to target extortion threats. The provincial task force comprises 40 members of various policing services in the Lower Mainland, including two members of AbbyPD. The new AbbyPD internal task force will work closely with the provincial task force. 

Other areas in B.C. have also experienced a rise in extortion cases, particularly in Surrey, where more than 50 extortion cases have been reported since the beginning of 2025. One Surrey woman was shot and seriously injured on Oct.12, which police said may be related to an extortion case. 

Surrey Police Services created an extortion tip line and a reward fund of $250,000 to offer rewards to individuals with helpful information about extortion cases leading to charges and convictions.