Extortion suspects' refugee claims are ludicrous, B.C. premier says

B.C. Premier David Eby said two people arrested in Surrey on extortion-related allegations claimed refugee status and called that outcome 'ludicrous'; he said Bill C-12 would close the loophole and officials are coordinating police response.

B.C. Premier David Eby spoke about recent extortion-related arrests in Surrey and the role of immigration rules in those cases. He said two people arrested in connection with extortion claimed refugee status rather than being removed. Eby raised concerns about community fear and inconsistent police communications. He said work is underway at the federal level to address legal and disclosure issues. Known details: - Two people were arrested in Surrey in connection with extortion and subsequently filed refugee claims, according to the premier's remarks. - Eby said Bill C-12 will close what he described as a loophole allowing criminal allegations to be pursued through refugee hearings. - The premier expressed concern about inconsistent communications between the RCMP task force and the Surrey Police Service and said the RCMP Commissioner will meet with local police and the extortion task force this week. - Federal officials were reported to be examining whether a named individual's information could be released under public safety exemptions. Summary: Eby framed the issue as one of immigration and public safety policy and said legislative change is expected through Bill C-12. Officials are coordinating a unified policing response in Surrey and federal work on disclosure and legal options is reported to be ongoing.