Extortion

What is Extortion?

Extortion is a criminal offence in which someone uses threats, intimidation, or fear to force a person or business to give them money, property, or something else of value.

Threats can include:

  • Harm to you or your family

  • Damage to your home, vehicle, or business

  • Releasing private, sensitive, or embarrassing information

Extortion does not always happen in person. It can occur through text messages, phone calls, social media, or email.

Recognizing the signs early and reporting concerns to police is important to protect both yourself and our community.

 

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What Delta Police Are Doing to Combat Extortion

Delta Police Department is committed to protecting residents and businesses while building a safe and connected community. Our approach to extortion focuses on collaboration, prevention, and prompt response.

  1. Dedicated Investigations: Specialized teams work to identify and address extortion cases quickly and effectively.

  2. Collaborative Partnerships: Our team sits on the B.C. Extortion Task Force and works closely with the Joint Management Team (JMT) to ensure extortion-related investigations are coordinated across jurisdictions.

  3. Immediate Response: Officers act on credible threats promptly to reduce risk to individuals and the community, including intelligence-led deployment of specialized teams during peak times.

  4. Community Engagement: We provide guidance to residents and businesses on identifying extortion and encourage active reporting, including: risk management, target hardening, and developing customized safety plans.

  5. Transparent Communication: Sharing updates and safety tips keeps the Delta community informed and empowered.

 

If You Are a Victim of Extortion

  1. DO NOT engage, pay, respond to, or comply with any demands.

  2. Save all communications you receive (e.g., text messages, direct messages, voicemails, emails)

  3. Call us immediately. Timely reporting is important.


    ● Emergency: 9-1-1
    ● Non-emergency: 604-946-4411
    ● Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or https://bccrimestoppers.com/extortion/ 
     

How Our Community Can Help

You can help us by:
● Reporting any suspicious activity without delay and encourage others to do the same.
● Reporting tips or observations. Even small details can be important for investigations.
● Ensuring security cameras are functional, recording and timestamped.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I received a threatening demand for money. What should I do?
A: Do not engage or comply. Keep all communications and contact Delta Police immediately at the numbers listed above.

Q: Could I be in trouble if I already paid?
A: No. You are not at fault. Reporting helps support investigations and prevents future victimization.

Q: Who is at risk?
A: To date, we have seen a number of local businesses and owners, primarily in the South Asian community, that have been targeted for payment.

Q: How does the community play a role?
A: Every report, observation, and tip strengthens community safety. Delta Police relies on residents and businesses as partners in preventing and addressing crime.