Edmonton Police continue to investigate a series of extortion, arson, and shooting incidents targeting members of the South Asian community.

During a press conference today, Thursday, it was clarified that businessmen in Edmonton are targeted by extortionists who use WhatsApp to demand large sums from real estate developers and construction companies.

Investigators are now linking five extortion incidents, 15 arson cases, and seven firearm-related crimes targeting this community since October.

Edmonton Police are also seeking help in identifying the vehicle used in the shooting, which they say is connected to the current wave of extortion targeting the local South Asian community, including Indians.

The police reported that a house in the northeast CP Baker neighborhood owned by a real estate developer was targeted in a shooting around 1 a.m. on January 10.

Similar crimes have been reported in British Columbia and Ontario, where Edmonton Police said that at this time, investigators do not believe there is a connection to the surge of extortion in Edmonton.

Edmonton Police also do not know when they will release their version as part of this investigation, which they describe as complex and requiring collaboration with national and international partners.

Anyone who has been threatened or has information about these crimes is asked to contact the police at 780-423-4567 and provide case number 23-802638.