Edmonton Police Release Surveillance Videos of Suspects in Extortion Series
Edmonton police are investigating a series of extortion attempts targeting members of the South Asian community, known as Project Gaslight. Since October, police have investigated 34 incidents related to the extortion, including drive-by shootings and arsons. While no injuries have been reported in the shootings, a firefighter was injured in one of the arsons.
On Wednesday, EPS detectives released several surveillance videos of suspects involved in the extortion series. The videos show suspects purchasing gas cans, breaking into homes, and starting fires. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individuals in the videos and providing any information about their activities.
Suspect Descriptions:
November 6, 2023, in the area of 16th Avenue and 12th Street:
* Three suspects are seen getting out of a vehicle with a gas can.
* They are later seen running back to the same vehicle.
November 24, 2023, in Leduc:
* Three suspects are seen approaching a home on Meadowview Way in Leduc with a gas can.
December 14, 2023, at a residence in the area of 42 Avenue and 38A Street in Beaumont:
* Two suspects are seen approaching a home, breaking into it, and starting a fire.
* Police want to identify the person carrying the red jerry can, wearing white shoes and a grey hooded sweatshirt.
December 31, 2023, SUV and Mercedes:
* A suspect driving an SUV is seen arriving at a home in the area of 16th Avenue and 12th Street, then later driving away shortly before smoke starts coming from the building.
* Prior to the fire, a newer model, white, four-door Mercedes with heavily tinted windows was also seen circling the area.
January 28 at Parsons Road Walmart:
* Two men are seen going into a Walmart at 1203 Parsons Road, purchasing a gas can and walking out of the store.
* Police want to identify the suspect in the camouflage jacket.
January 28 at Saddleback Road 7/11:
* A male suspect carrying a gas can is seen entering and exiting a 7/11 at 803 Saddleback Road, and later filling the can at the pumps.
Anyone who has information about any of the suspects shown, or about the events related to this crime series is asked to contact police immediately at projectgaslight@edmontonpolice.ca or 780-391-4279.
