16.5 Organised Crime Activities in B.C. and across Canada

Organised crime activity is diverse. In Canada and British Columbia, public discussions often focus on drug trafficking and gang violence, but organised crime can include many forms of profit-making illegality. Generally speaking, there are five broad types of activities (Beare, 2015; Chatterjee, 2006).

First, drug trafficking remains central to many organised crime discussions. Drug markets may include importation, production, wholesale supply, mid-level distribution, street sales, delivery services, and money laundering. Violence may occur when groups compete over supply, territory, debt, reputation, or control of workers. However, violence is not inevitable in all drug markets. It is more likely where disputes cannot be resolved through legal institutions and where firearms are available (Bouchard & Hashimi, 2017; Butters et al., 2011).

Second, firearms trafficking and illegal firearm possession can intensify harm. Firearms may be used for intimidation, retaliation, enforcement, and status. In gang conflicts, access to firearms can turn disputes into homicides and can place bystanders at risk. Firearms enforcement may reduce immediate danger, but it does not by itself address recruitment, drug demand, poverty, trauma, or the profitability of illicit markets (Butters et al., 2011; Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, 2015).

Third, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and labour exploitation require careful attention. These crimes are not only about movement across borders; they can involve coercion, manipulation, threats, debt, isolation, addiction, intimate partner violence, and control over documents or income. Organised crime discussions should avoid sensationalism and focus on victim safety, consent, power, and support services (Beare, 2015; Chatterjee, 2006).

Fourth, extortion and intimidation have wide‑ranging impacts on businesses, families, and entire communities. These offences can involve threats, violence, property damage, online harassment, or persistent demands for payment. In 2026, extortion cases have made headlines in B.C.  In fact, between January 1 and 19, 2026, there were 34 recorded extortion-related incidents that affected the South Asian community in Surrey, B.C. (see Surrey, B.C.’s South Asian community fearful and frustrated as extortion cases ramp up). Many of these incidents involved targeted shootings orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, mainly based out of India. During one of the extortion-related shootings into a residence in Surrey, B.C, it is believed that the occupants may have also fired rounds back (CBC News, 2026; Patterson, 2026).  These incidents seriously jeopardise public safety and impact police-community relations.

Victims of extortion often struggle to report these crimes because they fear retaliation or lack confidence that police can ensure their safety or advance investigations quickly. In this context, both communities and law enforcement agencies face significant social and legal limitations that can hinder reporting, protection, and effective criminal justice responses.

Fifth, fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and the use of legitimate businesses are increasingly important. Organised crime is not limited to street-level violence. Financial crime can move money across jurisdictions, hide profits, exploit vulnerable people, and connect illicit markets to apparently legal economic activity. As such, organised crime is not only a problem of marginal streets; it can also involve professional knowledge, technology, and access to financial systems (Beare, 2015; Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2024).