Bullets, threats and terror links: The dark web of extortion gripping Canada’s South Asian communities

It’s been a week since Kap’s Cafe, a restaurant owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was riddled with bullets in Surrey, British Columbia. The August 7 incident, which also involved the discovery of a Molotov cocktail-like device, was the second assault on the café in less than a month, following a similar shooting on July 10.

While investigations are ongoing, the Surrey Police has yet to disclose much about the identity of the attackers or the motive behind the two violent attacks, which luckily caused no fatalities despite their severity. These violent acts have, however, once again cast a spotlight on the escalating wave of extortion, gang-related crime and targeted violence against South Asian businesses in Canada, particularly in Surrey and Toronto, cities with a significant South Asian population.

A timeline of violence at Kap’s Cafe

Kap’s Cafe, located at the busy intersection of 85 Avenue and Scott Road in Surrey, opened with much fanfare on July 3. Marketed as a “cozy” community hub serving coffee and Indian-inspired cuisine, the café was marred by violence just a week later. On July 10, assailants fired at least nine shots at its exterior, shattering windows and leaving bullet holes in the walls while staff members were inside.

Though no one was injured, the incident sent shockwaves through the community. Kapil Sharma took to Instagram after the café reopened on July 20, stating, “The lights are on, the coffee is warm, and our hearts are full. Thank you, Surrey, for your love and support.” However, the reprieve was short-lived as on August 7, at approximately 4.40 am, the café was again targeted in a far more aggressive attack. Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers responded to reports of gunfire, finding evidence of at least 25 gunshots and a suspicious bottle resembling a Molotov cocktail.

An unverified social media post later claimed that the attack was carried out by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The post also included a direct threat to Kapil saying, “We had called the target, but he didn’t hear the ring, so we had to take action. If he still doesn’t hear the ring, the next action will be taken soon in Mumbai.”

However, Surrey Police’s Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton has stated that no definitive link to extortion has been established, but investigators are exploring this angle given the pattern of similar crimes targeting South Asian businesses in the region.

Canada’s extortion epidemic

According to available data, extortion cases in Canada have surged by 170 per cent from 2012 to 2018, rising from 1,730 to 4,664 incidents. This trend continued, with cases more than doubling from 4,234 in 2019 to 9,717 in 2022, a 129 per cent increase. By 2023, cyber extortion alone accounted for thousands of cases, reflecting a sharp upward trajectory in this crime.

In regions like British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, police investigations have revealed that some cases are tied to groups like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly operating from India. Police say that these groups use sophisticated methods, including encoded messaging apps, to demand large sums of money, often escalating to violence like shootings or arson if demands are not met.

Data also reveals that while extortion affects various groups, recent reports highlight a significant impact on the South Asian community, particularly Indo-Canadian businesses and individuals. Since October 2023, police in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario have investigated numerous extortion cases targeting South Asian businesses, with at least 74 incidents reported by March 2024. These cases often involve violent threats, shootings, or arson, primarily perpetrated by members of the South Asian community itself.

Peel Regional Police have revealed that all arrests in their investigations involved South Asian individuals, with perpetrators using cultural familiarity and language to intimidate victims. Edmonton Police reported 34 incidents between October 2023 and February 2024, many linked to organised crime with ties to India.

Political response to transnational threats

Following the second attack on Kap’s Cafe, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke urged the provincial government for additional resources to tackle such incidents. In a press briefing, she stated, “The attack on Kap’s Café is more than an isolated crime; it is an affront to the sense of security every Surrey resident deserves. I am deeply grateful no one was injured, yet gratitude alone is not enough.”

In June, Locke had called on the federal government to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. “The violence and intimidation our community faces are unacceptable. We have seen a disturbing rise in extortions, threats of violence, and ongoing shootings linked to these criminal organisations. Such acts are not only criminal — they are economic terrorism. They destabilise our community’s safety, and we now have a public safety crisis. Declaring these gangs as terrorist entities will enable police to pursue them with greater authority, freeze assets and strengthen investigations, ultimately making our streets safer. This step can make a real difference.”

Besides her, Premiers of BC and Alberta, David Eby and Danielle Smith, Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown, have also urged Ottawa to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation.

The Bishnoi connection

The August 7 attack was claimed by Goldy Dhillon, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, via a social media post. The post declared, “We take responsibility for the firing in Surrey. We had called him, but he did not hear the ring, so we had to take action.” It also threatened further violence in Mumbai, possibly linked to Sharma’s association with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been targeted by the Bishnoi gang in the past. The gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in India, is notorious for extortion, murder and drug trafficking. Its operations have increasingly extended to Canada, exploiting diaspora networks to carry out intimidation.

The Bishnoi gang’s involvement has fuelled demands for the Canadian government to designate it as a terrorist outfit. Posts on X and reports in Indian media have highlighted the gang’s role in high-profile incidents, including the alleged killing of Baba Siddique, a close associate of Salman Khan. X users have expressed outrage, with one stating, “Canada must act swiftly to classify the Bishnoi gang members as terrorists. Their actions are a clear threat to public safety.” However, Canadian authorities have not yet confirmed such a designation and investigations into the gang’s role in the shootings remain ongoing.

The Khalistani connection

The July 10 attack on Kap’s Cafe was claimed on social media by Harjit Singh Laddi — who is an alleged Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) fugitive, a Khalistani terrorist organisation. Laddi is one of the most wanted terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency. He had cited derogatory remarks about Nihang Sikhs made on Sharma’s comedy show as the motive behind the attack.

South Asian extortion connection

The alleged involvement of some South Asian individuals in extortion and murder cases has inadvertently cast a shadow over the community. In Abbotsford, BC, four persons with South Asian surnames were recently charged with the first-degree murder of a 19-year-old in a targeted killing. Similar incidents in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario, have involved South Asian suspects in extortion and violent crimes.

The RCMP has noted that extortion schemes often target successful South Asian business owners, leveraging cultural ties and fear to enforce compliance. Police officials admit that the transnational nature of these crimes, involving groups like the Bishnoi gang and BKI, poses significant challenges.

The attacks on Kapil Sharma’s café and the exponential rise in extortion cases exhibit the growing gang violence plaguing Canada’s South Asian communities. The alleged involvement of the Bishnoi gang and outfits like BKI underscores the transnational scope of these crimes. But demands for terrorist designations for the Bishnoi gang reflect the urgency of the situation. The South Asian community, while unfairly scrutinised, remains resilient. As investigations continue, Canada must confront this crisis with decisive action to ensure safety and justice for all.