Official News Release Download
Abbotsford, BC – February 6th, 2026 — When Abbotsford experienced a surge in extortion-related violence last September, the Abbotsford Police Department responded immediately to these critical threats of violence with focused and decisive action to protect public safety
AbbyPD launched Operation Community Shield, an internal Extortion Task Force dedicated to disrupting, preventing, and investigating extortion-related activity in Abbotsford. That work continues today, supported by close collaboration with Provincial and Federal partners. Abbotsford Police Officers remain embedded within the Provincial Extortion Task Force, ensuring strong local representation and effective information sharing across jurisdictions.
Operation Community Shield is guided by four core pillars:
• Public safety through overt police presence.
• Intelligence-led criminal investigations.
• Community engagement.
• Prevention through early intervention.
Together, these pillars deliver a well-balanced response that addresses immediate safety concerns while reinforcing long-term prevention and community resilience here in Abbotsford. AbbyPD’s approach emphasizes visible action, trusted partnerships, and
proactive solutions.
Addressing extortion-related violence requires more than enforcement alone. AbbyPD
remains committed to transparency, open communication, and timely information
sharing. Extortion thrives on fear and isolation, and combating it depends on building
trust and keeping the community informed.
Results from the last 90 days of 2025 (October to December) under Operation
Community Shield include:
- 1,820 patrols and safety checks at homes and businesses related to victims of extortion 24 hours a day.
- 87 individualized safety plans implemented.
- 46 Judicial authorizations, including search warrants, production orders, and authorizations in support of additional investigative techniques.
- 4 investigations transitioned to the Provincial Extortion Task Force.
- 2 arrests, including Mr. Gursewak Singh on December 17, 2025.
- Launch of Project Disengage, AbbyPD’s extortion exit and intervention program.
- Establishment of a full-time Victim Services position focused exclusively on supporting extortion victims.
- Expanded public safety camera coverage across the city.
- Deployment of additional Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, bringing the total to six ALPR-equipped police vehicles in Abbotsford.
Between the onset of extortion-related violence in November 2023 and February 2026, AbbyPD has received a total of 89 reported extortion-related incidents. The majority of these incidents have been non-violent in nature, with only 10 involving shots being fired. Year-to-date in 2026, AbbyPD has received 11 reported extortion incidents, all of which have been non-violent in nature.
Community engagement and collaboration remain a central focus for AbbyPD.
Throughout the past year, we have conducted outreach at local places of worship,
hosted community meetings, and worked closely with extortion victims, businesses, and community partners. This past December, AbbyPD partnered with the community to establish a Community Advisory Group on Extortions. This collaboration has
strengthened our collective response to extortion-related concerns.
Operation Community Shield reflects AbbyPD’s ongoing commitment to confronting
extortion-related violence through decisive action, strong partnerships, and clear
communication. 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.
Sergeant Paul Walker
Media Relations Officer
Abbotsford Police Department