'Have you been offered money to shoot at a house?': Strange appeal from Canada Police amid extortion crisis

Amid the ongoing extortion crisis in Surrey, for which the mayor called on the federal authorities to declare an emergency, the Surrey Police released a strange video by Sikh-origin cop Rupi Bansi appealing to the people who might have the potential to fall into the trap of the gangsters.

"Have you been asked to help others extort people for money? Have you been offered money to shoot at a house or business? Or send threatening messages to people?Don't take the bait," the sergeant said. "You are being offered a small sum of money to take an enormous risk that can harm you, your family and everyday hardworking people. This is not why you came to Canada. You came to go to school, to find a better life, to be one of the first in your family to start something new," the reminder added.

"For many of you, your family or temple sponsored you. Committing these crimes isn't worth the shame and disappointment that would bring those who have given so much. Don't risk being arrested, jailed, and removed from Canada," the cop said, announcing a reward of $250,000 for any tips in connection with the extortions. Surrey mayor Brenda Locke said Surrey had been facing an unprecedented crisis with residents and business owners living in constant fear.

“Our laws are simply too weak. Canadian law enforcement tools are not enough to protect the public from the magnitude of extortion and violence we are experiencing. Surrey is entering the third year of this crisis. We need strong federal leadership to protect Canadian communities and restore public confidence," she said in her statement calling on the federal government to take immediate action.

Extortion gangs have become extremely powerful in Surrey and their main targets are people from the South Asian community. They fire shots at the target's house, record the video and then send the video to the target to extort money. Most victims do not even report to the police fearing further trouble once the offenders are out on bail, which happens in most of the cases.