A Calgary man has been charged in a series of extortion attempts targeting members of the South Asian community, including threats against daycares, police say.
Between March 4 and 22, investigators took note of a series of escalating incidents connected to the ongoing extortion investigation in the city, including a shooting at a residence, repeated property damage, and suspicious activity at multiple daycare locations outside Calgary. Police say victims were also subjected to ongoing intimidation.
CPS Organized Crime Unit investigators, with help from the RCMP, have since determined these incidents are related to ongoing extortion attempts involving intimidation, property damage, and shootings connected to demands for large sums of money and transferred control of the businesses.
Police say at this time, there is no reason to believe any of the children at the daycares were at risk. However, due to the nature of the locations threatened, the cases were considered top priority.
Forty-five-year-old Rana Cheema is now being charged with extortion and uttering threats.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 22.
Supt. Jeff Bell with the CPS Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division says the extortion investigations in Calgary are complex and the threats being made are serious.
“These charges represent an important step forward, but this is only the beginning of our enforcement efforts,” he said. “We want to be very clear: Calgary is not a place where extortion, intimidation or violence will be tolerated. We are taking a hard stance and will continue down this path.”
Over the last 15 months, police say there have been 41 extortion attempts in the city. Of those, 18 involved shootings at homes, businesses, or vehicles.
Police in Calgary have also seen victims receive threats through international phone calls and social media platforms.
No injuries connected to extortion crimes in Calgary have been reported to this point.
Bell says investigators recognize these crimes are about more than just property damage and intimidation.
“Many victims are living with fear, uncertainty, and, in some cases, hesitancy to come forward,” he said. “Our message to them is that you are not alone, and we will support you. We urge anyone who may have been a victim or has information to come forward. We need to have all of the information to ensure people are held accountable for their actions.”
Crimes of this nature have been rising across the country.
Earlier this year, the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) participated in a national meeting in Surrey, B.C. to discuss the issue.
The police services say they are united in the effort to protect communities and hold offenders accountable.
Anyone with information about this incident, or any other cases of extortion, is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.