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Abbotsford Police Department

Abbotsford Police, RCMP believe extortion attempts in Lower Mainland may be connected

Dec 7, 2023 | 5:09 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department says it is aware of a picture circulating on social media that portrays both a typed extortion letter and a law-enforcement only bulletin that features a man whom police were trying to identify in conjunction with an investigation.

Simultaneously, B.C. RCMP and Abbotsford Police Department believe a series of extortion incidents may be connected and are working in partnership to advance and jointly conduct an investigation into these circumstances.

Constable Art Stele of the AbbyPD has confirmed that the typed extortion letter involving his department coincides with evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation.

“The AbbyPD can confirm that the typed letter which is consistent with evidence in an ongoing investigation is circulating in social media posts. The letter also appears to be consistent with extortion letters received by some businesses in Abbotsford,” Cst. Stele said. “It is important to note that the ‘Law Enforcement Only’ bulletin contained a picture of an occupied vehicle, who the AbbyPD at the time wanted to identify. The male pictured in the photo on this bulletin has since been identified and appears to be unrelated to this incident. The factors leading to this ‘Law Enforcement Only’ bulletin being compromised are under investigation.”

Constable Stele states the AbbyPD Major Crime Unit is investigating cases involving Abbotsford residents and businesses. AbbyPD is in contact with neighbouring police agencies regarding these ongoing investigations. Police say any individual who has been contacted for extortion purposes should immediately contact their local police of jurisdiction. Members of the public with additional questions are asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.

In a separate news release Thursday evening, the B.C. RCMP says police are aware of a number of extortion threats adversely affecting businesses throughout the Lower Mainland.

“The RCMP and Abbotsford Police Department believe these incidents may be linked and are working in partnership to advance and coordinate an investigation into these matters,” B.C. RCMP said.

Police are now saying that the threats circulating to businesses including a recent incident that involved shots being fired at a home in White Rock are deeply concerning.

“As this investigation is active and ongoing, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” B.C. RCMP said. “We encourage anyone who is threatened to please call your local police department. If you are targeted in an extortion attempt, do not engage with the suspect and do not send any money, instead contact local police immediately.”