Vehicle used in a drive by shooting linked to extortion cases
Edmonton Police have linked 27 different cases of arson, extortion and shootings to the local South Asian community members. EPS spoke to the media on Thursday to share more details about five extortions, 15 arson cases and seven weapon related charges.
Some of the recent crimes linked to this case included a house fire in Beaumont and a drive by shooting in Cy-Becker on January 10th. Police say total damage from these crimes have exceeded $9M.
The latest string of crimes has brought a sense of fear to some new home-owners and residents of the affected neighbourhoods. Staff Sergeant David Paton spoke to the public and said EPS need their help in identifying strange behavior in these subdivisions.
EPS believe one of the suspects involved in the investigation is currently residing in India. They went on to mention some of the suspects in Edmonton are ‘flight risks’. Paton said their crews believe the scheme is being ran out of a different country with people in Edmonton performing these tasks.
The victims are targeted through the third party texting app “WhatsApp”. EPS wouldn’t disclose a total amount of money but said the asking price was ‘significant’. Paton said a town hall with the South Asian community and Edmonton police is being organized.
If anyone has any tips or information on these incidents they’re asked to contact the Edmonton Police.
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