Edmonton police say that the recent series of extortions are being orchestrated in India.
Their investigation now spans 27 events, including five extortions, 15 arsons, and seven firearms offences, including shootings. The most recent suspected arson occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 16 in Beaumont.
EPS also released stills and video taken from a security camera recording from January 10 at around 1:10 a.m. of a drive by shooting at a Cy Becker residence in Northeast Edmonton. EPS say a family with children with no known involvement in criminal activity lives there.
Investigators announced that they believe the extortions are being orchestrated in India by a network or single person, with the people committing the crimes living in Edmonton. Police have already charged six people with the crimes, with one of them in custody, and another fleeing to India.
Police say that while no injuries have been reported from the shootings, a firefighter was injured in one of the arsons. Police estimate $9 million in property damage because of the arsons and shootings.
In a media release, police say a dedicated project team continues to investigate this series and its connection to organized crime. While similar events have been reported in B.C. and Ontario, investigators do not believe these are connected to the Edmonton series.
Police ask anyone with information about these events to contact investigators at 780-423-4567, referencing file #23-802638. Anonymous tips are welcomed at the Crime Stoppers line 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
