A rising tide of violence targeting South Asian business owners had already shaken the community in recent days. But the situation took a tragic turn on Wednesday, June 11, when a South Asian businessman was shot and killed in the Fleetwood area.
Police identified the victim as 56-year-old Satwinder Sharma of Abbotsford in hopes of advancing the investigation. “Mr. Sharma was at his place of work at the time of the shooting and he had no criminal history,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of of Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
Police say early indications suggest this was a targeted incident and no one else was injured as a result of the shooting. “Investigators are working diligently to determine the motive and the circumstances surrounding the homicide,” Fong said.
Sharma reportedly worked in labour contracting and property development, and was regarded as a prominent figure in local business circles.
Surrey police reported that a male was found suffering with gun shots wound near the 15900 block 84 Avenue, Surrey. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to death. IHIT took conduct of this investigation.
IHIT is seeking dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area of 160th Street and 84 Avenue between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
“There is high foot-traffic in this area and we are fortunate that no one else was hurt,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “IHIT continues to work closely with Mr. Sharma’s family and our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].
This is Surrey’s third homicide of 2025. While investigators from IHIT have not confirmed a direct connection to extortion, the South Asian community fears this may be part of a wider campaign of targeted intimidation and violence.
Last week, Surrey Police reported cases of shots being fired at several businesses and at a house that belonged to Surrey Mandir president Satish Kumar and on Reflections banquet hall owned by him.
On Tuesday, June 10 at 9:30 am, Surrey police were called to a business located in 7000 block of 128 Street for a report of shots fired that had occurred sometime during the night. Upon police arrival it was quickly determined that the shots were fired during the night while the business was closed and there were no injuries reported.
Less than 24 hours after a shooting at Reflection Banquet Hall in Surrey, another attack occurred this time a shooting at O Hub, a business located at 128 Street and 70 Avenue, also owned by Satish Kumar, President of Laxmi Narayan Mandir and the owner of Reflection Banquet Hall.
Since late 2023, numerous business owners have received threatening phone calls, letters, and WhatsApp messages demanding large sums—sometimes up to $2 million in protection money. In many cases, refusal to pay has led to shootings, arson, and serious property damage.
Conservative Critic for Attorney General MLA Steve Kooner released his recent letter to Attorney General of British Columbia (BC) Niki Sharma demanding urgent action following repeat shootings at a Surrey family home.
“The letter follows yet another potential extortion case where attackers shot at Reflections Banquet Hall in Surrey on June 7, 2025. Community members and an owner of the Banquet Hall have spoken out, alleging an attempt at extortion by organized crime. SPS have confirmed the business sustained gunfire damage,” a release by Kooner mentioned.
Despite repeat attacks and a brazen campaign of intimidation targeting the South Asian community in BC, the Attorney General and provincial government remain silent. MLA Kooner’s letter outlines several actions the government must take, including establishing a police task force to investigate foreign organized crime, tougher penalties including deportations for foreign nationals, and improved support for affected communities to rebuild trust with law enforcement.
MLA Kooner’s letter to the Attorney General, sent June 9, 2025, states, “South Asian business owners across the province, particularly in Surrey and other areas of the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, continue to face intimidation, extortion, and targeted violence from organized gangs; many with international criminal connections. As Critic for Attorney General, I am deeply alarmed by your government’s ongoing failure to meaningfully acknowledge or respond to these escalating threats. High-profile instances of organized criminal extortion are no longer isolated to other parts of the country: We are now witnessing a coordinated extortion campaign in British Columbia (BC) similar to those seen in Ontario and Alberta. In other parts of the country, extortion has led to a serious decline in public safety and even murders.”
The letter urges BC government to partner with South Asian businesses to restore trust with law enforcement and launch anonymous, multilingual reporting lines for instances of extortion.
It also asks to establish a joint task force between RCMP and local BC law enforcement to address increased instances of transnational crime across the province.
