In recent weeks, extortion threats aimed at several local South Asian businesses have made headlines, and Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is assisting in solving these crimes by urging anyone with information to come forward—completely ANONYMOUSLY.

These threats have been reported across the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, and other cities in Canada over the past few months. An RCMP National Coordination and Support Team is spearheading the investigation and has issued a public appeal asking anyone being instructed to pay money or face violent attacks not to pay anything and report the threats to police instead.

However, some individuals may hesitate to approach the authorities, even if they possess valuable information or evidence that could lead to arrests. To support the investigation, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers has been broadcasting radio messages on Punjabi language stations, encouraging anyone with knowledge to reach out.

“We know people are concerned for their safety, and that’s why we want everyone to know that anyone with information about who’s behind the threats can give those details to Crime Stoppers without ever being identified,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “We’re airing these messages in English and Punjabi to encourage people to contact us with any information that can help police put an end to this. No one calling will ever be identified or have to go to court.”

Crime Stoppers accepts tips on any crime 24/7 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. You can also report a tip on Crime Stoppers’ mobile “P3” phone app, or online at solvecrime.ca. There is also a link for reporting tips on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.