Edmonton Police say they have arrested two people Monday in relation to an attempted arson in the area of 24 Avenue at 13 Street in the city’s Southeast neighbourhood of Aster.
In an email to Heartland News, spokesperson Cheryl Voordenhout wrote that tactical officers assisted with the arrest, and that no charges have been laid at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.
EPS confirm the arrests relate the wider investigation into an extortion series directed out of India, which police briefed the public about on January 18.
Police said then that the 27 events, including five extortions, 15 arsons, and 7 “firearms offenses,” including shootings, are being carried out by individuals believed to reside in the Edmonton region and targets South Asian home developers.
A dedicated EPS project team is investigating, and police said that while similar events have been reported in British Columbia and Ontario, investigators do not believe these to be connected to the Edmonton crimes, at this time.
