Project Disengage – AbbyPD’s Anti Extortion Recruitment Response

Abbotsford has faced multiple incidents of extortion-related violence in recent years, often involving threats, coercion, and sometimes escalating to shootings or property damage. To address this, AbbyPD is strengthening its efforts under Operation Community Shield by launching Project Disengage: A Lifeline for Those Involved—or Being Recruited—Into Extortion-Related Violence. This program focuses on early intervention and prevention, offering support to individuals seeking a way out of crime, with specialized resources for youth, young adults, and individuals at risk of gang involvement, radicalization to violence, and other criminal behaviors. Organized crime groups continue to exploit vulnerable individuals, but AbbyPD’s message is clear: if you are being recruited, do not engage. Help is available—before it’s too late. 

AbbyPD’s Goal:

Getting involved in extortion carries serious consequences. Our mission is to reach young people and individuals early—before harm occurs—to protect them and safeguard our community.

Referral to Project Disengage Anti Extortion Recruitment Response

Two ways to make a referral to Anti Extortion Recruitment Response:

1. Call our HELPLINE – 778-880-6610
2. Click here to fill out our online form

How can we help:

• AbbyPD offers in-house programs with proven experience in supporting youth, young adults, and individuals at risk of organized crime, gang involvement, radicalization to violence, and other criminal activities.
• These programs provide critical intervention opportunities to prevent individuals from becoming entrenched in a criminal lifestyle.
• Many of those we help face challenging life circumstances that increase their vulnerability to crime—our goal is to reduce that risk and create safer paths forward.

AbbyPD’s message to individuals who are being recruited to commit extortion:

Our message to anyone being recruited for extortion is simple: stop before it starts. Getting involved in organized crime will put your future—and your freedom—at serious risk.

If you’re being approached, here’s what you need to do:

1. Do not engage in organized crime.
2. If you need help leaving this lifestyle, AbbyPD is here to support you. Call our helpline immediately.
3. Quick financial gain is never worth sacrificing your future. Choose safety. Choose support.

Factors in the Recruitment of Young People for Extortion:

• The involvement of young people in organized crime and extortion is a complex and growing concern.
• Organized crime groups and traffickers have long targeted youth to carry out illegal activities.
• We are now seeing this locally, where traffickers exploit the vulnerabilities of young individuals to commit extortion.

Message to family and friends of individuals who are being recruited for extortion:

If you know someone who is being recruited for extortion, please contact us before its too late.