The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has taken action against two individuals linked to a rising trend of extortion targeting South Asian businesses in Alberta. The Edmonton Police Service, in collaboration with the Alberta RCMP and other law enforcement agencies, launched a significant investigation known as Project Al Extortion in 2025 after noticing a resurgence of violent extortion crimes. This development follows a previous operation, Project Gaslight, which had temporarily reduced such criminal activities before they began to reappear in the spring of 2025.

According to the Edmonton Police Service, the return of extortion incidents began to be felt soon after Project Gaslight concluded in 2024. Police reported not only a noticeable spike in these incidents but also highlighted that the extortion targets were primarily South Asian-owned businesses. This alarming trend triggered the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, aiming to mitigate the impact of these criminal activities and protect local businesses, indicating a community effort to confront the issue head-on.

The report emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with crimes that disproportionately affect specific communities. The deportation of the two men is part of a broader strategy to curb extortion and eliminate threats to the safety of business owners, particularly within the South Asian community. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and integrated responses from law enforcement to address these issues effectively and ensure the safety of all residents in Alberta.