2 arrested in alleged New Westminster extortion, assault case

Police in New Westminster say two people have been arrested in relation to what they call an assault and extortion case.

According to police, at approximately 1 a.m. on Jan. 29, a man called 911 claiming he had been assaulted, held against his will, and had money demanded from him.

The victim told police he believed the perpetrators live-streamed the assault.

“The Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation and with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Unit, attended the multi-family residence where the alleged assault took place to collect evidence. Within days, three suspects had been identified and on February 4, two were arrested without incident,” the New Westminster Police Department said in a statement on Thursday.

Police believe that the victim and suspects don’t know each other.

“If you have witnessed crimes, whether in person or online, we ask you to come forward,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Scott. “In this case, suspects were identified and arrested within days.”

Police say the suspects have been released with court-ordered conditions.

“If you witness online crimes that you believe are happening in your community reach out to your police of jurisdiction,” the NWPD added.