Extortion investigations launched in Vancouver, the first in the city

The Vancouver Police Department is investigating four extortion cases — the first reported in the city — and says arrests and search warrants have been executed.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has opened four extortion investigations, which the force says are the first such cases reported in the city. Police have executed search warrants and made arrests as the inquiries continue. The victims tied to these files either live in Vancouver or have businesses there. Two of the investigations have involved cooperation with the Surrey Police Service and the B.C. Extortion Task Force. What is known: - VPD says it is actively investigating four extortion files and describes them as the first in Vancouver. - Police report that arrests have been made and search warrants executed as evidence is collected. - The identified victims are connected to Vancouver by residence or business location. - Two of the four investigations involved coordination with Surrey Police Service and the B.C. Extortion Task Force. Summary: Police say they have executed search warrants and made arrests and are collecting additional evidence with the intention of laying charges. Undetermined at this time whether more cases exist in Vancouver or how long investigations will take.