The mayors of Brampton and Surrey, British Columbia, are urging the federal government to make greater efforts to address the "alarming" escalation of extortion threats targeting members of the Asian business community.

In a letter sent to Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc this week, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke expressed their "deep concern" about the increasing number of "extortion attempts and acts of violence, including shootings."

The letter stated, "This troubling development confirms the seriousness and widespread nature of these threats, which mostly target members of the Asian business community. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local police departments, including Peel Regional Police, have acknowledged the severity of the situation."

The Peel Police recently launched a task force, called the Extortion Investigation Task Force, which is now investigating the circumstances surrounding 16 extortion incidents.

According to the police, victims were contacted via social media and demands for money were made under "threats of violence that occurred in some incidents."

The police previously stated that suspects often know the victim’s name as well as their phone number, address, and business information.

They added, "The complexity and cross-jurisdictional nature of these crimes require a more comprehensive strategy that includes provincial and federal authorities. It is essential that the federal government, through your ministry, plays a leading role in facilitating this cooperation.

"By leveraging the RCMP’s intelligence resources and capabilities, in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, we can formulate a strong and unified approach to addressing this issue."

The mayors noted that the events have "instilled fear" in their communities, and the letter concluded, "We are deeply committed to the safety of our residents and the prosperity of our community."

The letter continued, "We urge you to prioritize this issue and engage in a concerted effort with local and provincial authorities, alongside necessary federal agencies, to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter these extortion threats."