Police say 16 people face 56 charges linked to alleged threats, shootings and intimidation targeting Calgary’s South Asian community
Calgary police have released photographs of 15 Indian-origin men charged in an investigation into alleged extortion targeting members of the city’s South Asian community.
The Calgary Police Service said 16 people have been charged with a combined 56 offences as part of the investigation. Only one of the accused remains in custody, while the others have been released on bail.
Police said most of those charged are Indian nationals of Punjabi origin who were living in Canada on student or work permits. Investigators also said none of the accused are Canadian citizens.
The investigation covers 49 reported extortion-related incidents across Calgary, including 19 shootings. Police allege that criminal groups used threats, intimidation and violence, including attacks on homes and vehicles, to pressure victims into making payments.
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Authorities said some suspects may have used aliases or false identities, making it more difficult to establish their movements and connections
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The release of the photographs is intended to help investigators gather information about the accused, their associates and any other names they may have used
Superintendent Jeff Bell urged members of the public, particularly people in Calgary’s South Asian community, to share any information that could assist the investigation. He said the alleged incidents appear to involve coordinated networks rather than isolated offenders.
Bell also expressed concern that most of those charged have been granted bail and are back in the community. He stressed that bail decisions are made by the courts after considering submissions from prosecutors and defence lawyers.
Police said the alleged extortion cases form part of a wider pattern seen in several Canadian cities with sizeable South Asian populations. Investigators are continuing to examine the cases and are seeking information that could help identify further links or individuals involved.
