The city of Surrey in Canada has seen a significant decline in shootings linked to extortion, with zero incidents reported in March, compared to one in February and 10 in January.
According to the Surrey Police Service, the decline is attributed to the use of deterrents such as deportation, as well as community outreach programs.
International students have been targeted by criminal gangs, with some being offered up to CA$10,000 to participate in extortion activities.
However, experts have raised concerns about the use of deportation as a deterrent, with some arguing that it should be used after those arrested have served their full sentences.
The extortion crisis has been ongoing for two years, affecting several cities in Canada, including Surrey, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton.
The Canadian Border Services Agency has been monitoring immigration enforcement cases linked to extortion, with 372 investigations opened and 35 removals enforced as of March 12, 2026.
