Abbotsford police are sharing the results of its newly established extortion team in the last quarter of 2025. (Image Credit: Abbotsford Police Department)

By Alyssa Conti

Tackling Extortion and Violence

New AbbyPD extortion task force makes 2 arrests, responds to 11 incidents so far in 2026

Feb 6, 2026 | 3:24 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department is releasing figures from its newly established extortion task force for the past quarter. 

Operation Community Shield was launched in September, in collaboration with provincial and federal partners, to help combat local extortion cases.

Between October and December, the internal task force undertook several initiatives, including establishing a full-time victim services position, expanding public safety camera coverage, and conducting 1,820 24-hour patrols and safety checks at victims’ homes and businesses.

Work also involved the launch of Project Disengage, an anti-extortion campaign.

“Extortion thrives on fear and isolation, and combating it depends on building trust and keeping the community informed,” said Sergeant Paul Walker with the AbbyPD.

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Officers made two arrests in December 2025. 

A total of 89 extortion-related incidents have been reported between November 2023 and this February, with 11 of those coming from 2026 alone. AbbyPD says only 10 incidents involved shots being fired.

“While meaningful progress has been made, this work continues to evolve. AbbyPD remains resolute in its commitment to disrupting criminal activity, supporting those impacted, and working alongside our community to strengthen safety, resilience, and trust—together.”