Extorted and Ignored: NDP Abandon South Asian Businesses
“These aren’t isolated incidents: We’re seeing a coordinated campaign of intimidation, and in some cases, the same extortion tactics and notes linked to violent attacks in other provinces. This is organised crime targeting British Columbians and, as usual, the NDP are looking the other way.”
-Steve Kooner, Opposition Critic for Attorney General & Conservative MLA for Richmond-Queensborough
Richmond, BC – Conservative MLA for Richmond-Queensborough and Attorney General Critic Steve Kooner is calling on the NDP government and the Attorney General of British Columbia, Niki Sharma, to take immediate action following a high profile killing in Ontario that involved similar tactics used in BC extortion cases.
“These aren’t isolated incidents: We’re seeing a coordinated campaign of intimidation, and in some cases, the same extortion tactics and notes linked to violent attacks in other provinces,” said MLA Kooner. “This is organised crime targeting British Columbians and, as usual, the NDP are looking the other way.”
South Asian businesses are an important part of the British Columbian economy, but lately they have been victims of extortion and intimidation by organised gangs. Despite this, the Attorney General’s latest mandate letter and recent actions make no reference to the valid fears held by the South Asian business community.
“The NDP’s lack of acknowledgement sends a chilling message: If you are a successful businessperson in BC, don’t expect protection,” said MLA Kooner. “Instead of defending BC businesses, the Attorney General is avoiding responsibility.”
Conservatives are calling on the NDP government to enact the following:
- Partner with South Asian businesses to rebuild trust with law enforcement
- Launch anonymous, multilingual reporting hotlines for extortion cases
- Close loopholes and ensure quicker convictions for intimidation and extortion
- Work with the federal government to increase penalties for organised crime extortion and intimidation cases, including deportation for foreign nationals
- Establish a joint task force between the RCMP and local law enforcement in British Columbia to address increased transnational crime across the province
- Improve international cooperation on extradition and foreign crime financing
- Investigate foreign organised crime in BC, especially alleged ties to India
“The NDP talk endlessly about inclusion and equality,” said Kooner. “But when BC’s South Asian business owners face threats of real danger, they do nothing.”
Conservatives stand with British Columbia’s South Asian business community and will continue to hold the government accountable by defending victims of organised crime and advancing common-sense solutions the NDP refuse to consider.
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Media Contact: [email protected]
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