Head of B.C. extortion task force apologizes for saying threats are not a “crisis”

The head of British Columbia’s extortion task force is apologizing for saying extortion in Surrey is not a “crisis.”

RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer faced criticism for remarks he made to reporters while providing an update on the task force’s progress on Tuesday. Brewer said extortion is a public safety issue police take very seriously, but pushed back against using the word “crisis.”

Police departments across the country have seen rising reports in recent years of South Asian individuals and businesses being contacted with demands for money and threatened with violence if they refuse to pay. The Lower Mainland, and Surrey in particular, has been a focus of the issue in B.C.

“This is unlike anything Surrey has faced before. Residents and business owners are living in constant fear, and our communities cannot wait any longer,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement Wednesday. She noted 34 extortion cases have been reported in Surrey over the past three weeks.

Locke is calling on the federal government to step up action by appointing a national extortion commissioner. In a letter to federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, she said a coordinated nationwide approach is needed.

Premier David Eby said Wednesday he was “puzzled” by Brewer’s comments and questioned whether he should remain in the role.

“If Mr. Brewer does not feel that urgency, does not feel that this is a crisis, then perhaps he’s not the right person to head up this task force,” Eby told reporters at the Natural Resources Forum in Prince George.

The B.C. RCMP issued a statement from Brewer Wednesday afternoon apologizing for challenging the use of the term “crisis.”

“The task force’s commitment to addressing the ongoing threats and violence has not wavered. Our efforts have never been limited because of a term,” Brewer said.

“Extortion remains one of our highest priorities. The B.C. Extortion Task Force is focused on advancing investigations, holding those responsible accountable, as well as sharing information, intelligence, tactics and strategies that can be used to suppress threats and violence in communities,” he said.

The task force, announced in September, aims to bring together police operations and partners under a single command structure to address extortion threats. The joint operation involves the RCMP, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit–B.C., the Canada Border Services Agency and multiple municipal police agencies.

The RCMP said in an update Tuesday the task force is investigating 32 files from jurisdictions in the Lower Mainland. It said seven individuals have been charged so far related to the task force’s efforts.