Police in the Fraser Valley are investigating persistent money extortion threats targeting primarily South Asian-owned businesses by an undisclosed perpetrator or group.
On Dec. 7, the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) announced that social media posts showing pictures of a threatening “typed letter” were consistent with other letters received by multiple Abbotsford businesses.
According to a CTV News report, many community members have come forward claiming to have been targeted in January and the time since the public report in December.
In a statement, Constable Art Stele said AbbyPD’s major crimes unit is investigating the evidence, including extortionist letters and other threats of violence, and working in contact with neighbouring police agencies on the cases.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of the origin of this letter,” Stele told CIVL Radio. “This may have connections or points outside of Abbotsford that may play into this situation.”
CIVL Radio interviewed Stele about the challenges in investigating the threats and about the protection measures AbbyPD is offering to Abbotsford, and specifically the South Asian community.
