The Alberta government has announced an $8 million investment to bolster law enforcement efforts against organized crime, extortion, and gang-related violence across the province. The funding, unveiled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis at McDougall Centre in Calgary on Thursday, aims to address a surge in criminal activity that disproportionately affects the South Asian community.
Funding Distribution
The allocation includes $2,240,535 for the Calgary Police Service, $2,245,550 for the Edmonton Police Service, $2 million for the Alberta RCMP, and $1.505 million for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT). These resources will support specialized tools, intelligence systems, digital forensics, and enhanced investigative capabilities.
Extent of the Threat
Ellis reported that Calgary police are currently investigating at least 28 extortion incidents, including two shootings. Since April 2025, there have been 44 extortion-related incidents in Calgary, 19 involving shootings at homes, businesses, and vehicles. To date, 11 individuals have been charged. The Alberta RCMP has tracked 45 distinct South Asian extortion incidents, with one-third involving outright violence.
Crimes are heavily concentrated in the Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas, hitting central and southern Alberta hardest. The threat is accelerating, with a majority of cases escalating in 2025, according to RCMP data.
Building on Previous Measures
The investment builds on prior initiatives, including ALERT's gang suppression unit funded in 2023, additional RCMP officers, civilian staff, and prosecutors to address organized crime spreading into rural communities. Ellis emphasized the need for stronger federal measures against global criminal networks involving violence, extortion, and trafficking.
Law Enforcement Responses
Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan stated the funds will support specialized tools, intelligence systems, and digital forensic capabilities, ensuring the force can adapt and keep residents safe. She encouraged affected individuals to come forward.
Alberta RCMP Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux noted that investigations into criminal networks are increasingly sophisticated, requiring time and money. The RCMP will use funding to enhance investigative capabilities through advanced technology and has established the Alberta RCMP rural organized crime team, a specialized mobile unit of 13 experienced officers targeting gang activity and violent offenders linked to drugs and firearms.
Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine highlighted Project Gaslight in 2024, which responded to organized extortion using violence and intimidation against Edmonton's South Asian community.
