Lawyers in B.C. are allegedly being threatened with violence unless they pay large “sums of money” in extortion demands, according to the Law Society of B.C.
In a letter sent to its members, the society stated that it is “aware of recent incidents in which lawyers have been threatened” and encourages them to contact the police immediately.
“The police may involve the new Extortion Task Force. The Canada Border Services Agency has also recently joined the task force to address the rise in extortion threats and violence against businesses,” the letter said.
A spokesperson for the law society said that, due to privacy reasons, they could not comment on where the lawyers were located in B.C.
BC RCMP media relations officer Vanessa Munn told Black Press Media that police are aware of the letter.
“However we are not able to confirm whether or not there are any active investigations where a lawyer is the victim. Reports to police aren’t tracked or categorized by occupation,” Munn said.
Steve Kooner, Conservative MLA for Richmond-Queensborough and the Official Opposition critic for the Attorney General, expressed his concerns about these threats.
“As Attorney General critic, I am deeply concerned that violent criminal networks are now targeting the very professionals who uphold our justice system,” said Kooner. “When lawyers — officers of the court — are being told to pay large sums or face physical harm, it shows how badly the NDP has lost control of public safety.”
Kooner is calling on the federal government to classify extortion as a terrorism offence.
“Legal protectors of our justice system are now under attack,” said Kooner. “If violent criminal groups are terrorizing our communities, then the law must treat them as terrorists. British Columbians deserve the strongest possible measures — not excuses.”