AbbyPD launches program to target roots of extortion-related violence

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) says it has launched a new program targeting those involved in planning or carrying out extortion-related violence.

Project Disengage is an “intervention and exit program” for people who are currently involved in or are being recruited into situations that make them vulnerable to violence associated with extortion.

“Many youths, young adults, and individuals are being drawn into these crimes, often lured by promises of quick financial gain or pressured by difficult life circumstances,” AbbyPD said.

“Organized crime groups and traffickers have long exploited vulnerable individuals for criminal activities. Participation in extortion can lead to severe legal consequences and lasting harm—not only to those involved but to the safety of our entire community.”

The project is an awareness campaign featuring posters with the message that help is available for those vulnerable to these crimes, Sgt. Paul Walker says.

“By reaching out to the Project Disengage helpline, either the number or through our QR code, we are going to surround those individuals with support that they need to exit that lifestyle,” he said.

Extortion-related crimes have surged over the past two years, police say, with individuals and businesses in Abbotsford, Surrey, and other communities being targeted.

“In some cases, these situations have escalated into shootings or property damage,” police said.

Walker says police in Abbotsford have received 58 calls related to extortion over the past two years. Nine involved shootings were specific to extortion-related calls, and other calls involved arson to vehicles.

However, he says most extortion-related reports are not violent in nature.

“Most of the calls that we received were threats of violence, so maybe a WhatsApp message, a phone call, an e-mail or text message, saying, ‘If you don’t pay something, violence will occur,’” Walker said.

“But the other piece of this that I want to stress is there are people out there that are receiving these threats of violence and they’re not reporting them to police.”

Anyone looking for help avoiding or stepping away from extortion-related violent crime is asked to call the Project Disengage helpline at 778-880-6610 or visit abbypd.ca/extortion.