Former Anti-Gang Officer Paul Dadwal Appointed to Lead B.C.'s Extortion Advisory Panel
Paul Dadwal, a former anti-gang police officer who played a crucial role in the high-profile Surrey Six investigation, has been selected to lead British Columbia's newly established community advisory group on extortion crimes. The appointment comes as Premier David Eby seeks to improve coordination and communication among various law enforcement task forces addressing extortion threats across the province.
Background and Experience
Dadwal brings extensive law enforcement experience to his new role, having recently retired from the RCMP after a distinguished career. His resume includes significant time with the Surrey RCMP and later overseeing specialized teams for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. During his tenure, Dadwal developed particular expertise in interrogations and witness management.
In the Surrey Six case, Dadwal served as the officer who interviewed key prosecution witnesses and, in several instances, successfully convinced them to cooperate with investigators. This high-stakes investigation involved the 2007 murders of six people in a Surrey high-rise apartment, making it one of British Columbia's most significant gang-related cases.
Premier's Initiative for Better Coordination
Earlier this week, Premier David Eby expressed frustration with what he described as inconsistent communication and information sharing among the multiple regional task forces working to combat extortion crime. In response, he announced the creation of a community advisory group designed to ensure citizens affected by extortion threats have a direct line to the province's extortion task force.
"Concerns raised by those who have received threats must be addressed urgently," Eby stated on Thursday. "Information offered by community members must be received and incorporated into investigations immediately. That's why we are establishing a community advisory group on extortion to close any gap between community members and police to solve this crime."
Current Law Enforcement Landscape
British Columbia currently has multiple specialized units addressing extortion crimes:
- A provincial task force comprising RCMP and Surrey police officers
- A dedicated task force of Surrey Police Service officers
- A specialized unit of Abbotsford police officers
Dadwal's newly formed community advisory group will work alongside these existing law enforcement teams, providing a crucial bridge between affected communities and investigative authorities.
Post-RCMP Career and Future Role
Since leaving the RCMP, Dadwal has worked as a security and investigative consultant, bringing his extensive experience to private sector clients. His appointment to lead the community advisory group represents a return to public service in a capacity that leverages his unique combination of investigative skills and community engagement experience.
While Dadwal has been confirmed as the group's leader, other members of the advisory panel have not yet been named. The selection process for additional members is expected to prioritize individuals with relevant community connections and expertise in addressing organized crime impacts on local populations.
The establishment of this advisory group comes amid growing concerns about extortion-related crimes affecting businesses and individuals across British Columbia, particularly in communities with significant ties to regions experiencing organized crime challenges.
