Investigation into extortion in Edmonton arsons leads to 6 arrests
CTV
Edmonton Police Service has confirmed it is investigating at least 18 incidents of extortion in the area since October, and investigators believe there may be additional cases.
Edmonton Police Service has confirmed it is investigating at least 18 incidents of extortion in the area since October, and investigators believe there may be additional cases.
As CTV News Edmonton previously reported, members of the South Asian business community have allegedly received messages through WhatsApp or social media demanding payment of a large sum.
If the victim doesn't pay, fires are set at newly built homes or show homes.
EPS says there have also been follow-up demands for larger sums of money, which has escalated to violence, including drive-by shootings.
No injuries have been reported.
Investigators say the fires have been started by a group of young adults who have been seen carrying gas cans.
Six young men have been arrested after shootings and arsons that police say have been connected to the extortion cases.
