Rana Cheema, 45, charged in extortion investigation targeting South Asians in Calgary
Indo-Canadian Voice Rana Cheema, 45, charged in extortion investigation targeting South Asians in Calgary posted by: Rattan Mall CALGARY Police say they have laid charges in an ongoing extortion investigation targeting members of the South Asian community, including alleged threats directed at daycare businesses just outside of Calgary. Between March 4 and 22, investigators documented a series of escalating incidents connected to the extortion investigation, including a shooting at a residence, repeated […] The post Rana Cheema, 45, charged in extortion investigation targeting South Asians in Calgary first appeared on Indo-Canadian Voice.Indo-Canadian Voice
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Indo-Canadian Voice Rana Cheema, 45, charged in extortion investigation targeting South Asians in Calgary posted by: Rattan Mall
CALGARY Police say they have laid charges in an ongoing extortion investigation targeting members of the South Asian community, including alleged threats directed at daycare businesses just outside of Calgary.
Between March 4 and 22, investigators documented a series of escalating incidents connected to the extortion investigation, including a shooting at a residence, repeated acts of property damage and suspicious activity at multiple daycare locations outside Calgary, and ongoing intimidation targeting the victims.
Investigators with the Calgary Police Service (CPS) Organized Crime Unit, with support from the RCMP, now believe these incidents are related to the ongoing extortion attempts involving intimidation, property damage and shootings connected to demands for large sums of money and transferred control of the businesses.
At this time, police do not believe there was any risk to children. However, due to the nature of the locations involved, investigators treated the matter as a priority.
As a result of the investigation, Rana Cheema, 45, has been charged with extortion and uttering threats. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, April 22.
Police say this investigation reflects the complexity and seriousness of the extortion activity they are seeing.
“Our investigators have been working diligently to understand the full scope and magnitude of these crimes,” says Calgary Police Service Superintendent Jeff Bell. “These charges represent an important step forward, but this is only the beginning of our enforcement efforts. We want to be very clear: Calgary is not a place where extortion, intimidation or violence will be tolerated. We are taking a hard stance and will continue down this path.”
This arrest forms part of a coordinated CPS effort targeting organized groups involved in extortion attempts across Calgary. To date, the city has seen victims receive threats through international phone calls and social media platforms.
Police say community impact remains central to their response. These crimes are not just about property damage or intimidation; they strike at the sense of safety and belonging of entire families and neighbourhoods.
“Many victims are living with fear, uncertainty, and, in some cases, hesitancy to come forward,” says Bell. “Our message to them is that you are not alone, and we will support you. We urge anyone who may have been a victim or has information to come forward. We need to have all of the information to ensure people are held accountable for their actions.”
Since January 2025, there have been 41 extortion attempts in Calgary. Eighteen of the incidents involved shootings at homes, businesses, or vehicles. Calgary Police note these crimes are happening across Canada, and while they have involved threats and shootings, they have no reported injuries in Calgary to date.
“We would like to thank the RCMP for their ongoing support and cooperation, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in addressing complex investigations that span multiple jurisdictions,” say Calgary Police.
Anyone with information about this incident 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
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