Edmonton Police Dismantle Extortion Rings, Deport Key Figures

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to Canada News today. Police and Emonson have wrapped up a year-long probe into extortion rings targeting the South Asian community, identifying more than 50 suspects, and deporting two key figures. Canada Border Services has also issued 70 removal orders nationwide for others involved. This bill's on last year's Project Gaslight, which led to six arrests and a warrant for another person. The network stretched to Calgary, British Columbia, and Ontario, with Calgary alone reporting 41 extortion attempts since early January 20, 25, including 17 shootings. Community leaders are relieved, saying they appreciate the long but steady progress in holding people accountable. Experts note that the threat of deportation sends a strong message to potential recruits, possibly more effective than gel time alone. Police believe organized crime groups are pressuring young, newly-arrived South Asian workers and students to carry out the violence.

1:01In response, some officers are calling for better warnings and welcome packages for new immigrants about these risks. While these efforts have plucked some holes, criminologists warn the problem, persists, like leaks in a dam that keeps bringing up, despite the patches, police vow to keep pushing charges and removals to protect vulnerable newcomers.