Calgary police have made an arrest as part of an investigation into a series of extortion attempts targeting the city’s South Asian community.
Rana Cheema, 45, has been charged with extortion and uttering threats.
Police say between March 4 and 22, there was “a series of escalating incidents,” including a shooting and reports of property damage and suspicious activity at multiple daycare facilities outside Calgary.
Investigators believe all the incidents were connected to ongoing extortion attempts.
Police say the accused was trying to acquire large sums of money and control of the businesses.
Officials do not believe any children were at risk of being harmed but, given the locations involved, officials treated these threats very seriously.
“These charges represent an important step forward, but this is only the beginning of our enforcement efforts,” said Calgary Police Service Supt. Jeff Bell in a news release.
“We want to be very clear: Calgary is not a place where extortion, intimidation or violence will be tolerated.”
Cheema is expected in court on April 22.
Since January 2025, there have been 41 extortion attempts in Calgary, with 18 of those involving shootings at homes, businesses or vehicles.
No one has been hurt in any of these incidents.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
- TALK: 1-800-222-8477
- TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
- APP: P3 Tips
