Calgary police have charged a man with extortion and uttering threats in connection with ongoing extortion investigations involving members of Calgary’s South Asian community — the first such arrest police have made in Calgary according to investigators.
Police say among the incidents reported were repeated acts of property damage and suspicious activity at multiple daycare locations outside Calgary.
Investigators say between March 4 and 22, officers with the CPS Organized Crime Unit and the RCMP also documented a series of escalating incidents that included alleged acts of intimidation and a shooting connected to demands for large sums of money and requests to transfer control of businesses.
As a result of their investigation, Rana Cheema, 45, has been charged with extortion and uttering threats.
“At this time we do not believe there was any risk to the children,” said CPS Supt. Jeff Bell. “The nature of the events at daycares was mischief and damage to the buildings and they were not shootings. No one was present at the daycares at the time as it happened after hours,” Bell added.
CCTV video shows what appears to be a suspect fleeing the scene following a shooting in northeast Calgary that is also believed to be related to ongoing extortion attempts against Calgary's South Asian community.
Obtained by Global NewsPolice say there have been 41 extortion attempts in Calgary since January 2025, with 18 of them involving shootings at homes, businesses or vehicles.
Victims have also been receiving threats through international phone calls and social media platforms.
This photo, taken from a video posted on social media, is believed to be from another shooting linked to extortion attempts involving members of Calgary's South Asian community.
Obtained by Global NewsPolice describe the investigation into the extortion allegations as complex and are making a plea for any additional victims to come forward.
“We feel there’s a couple different factors that are preventing people from contacting police — fear, fear of retribution, judgment from the community — there’s a lot of factors that go into this, but we encourage people to come forward with that information,” said Bell.
Cheema is expected to appear in court next on April 22, 2026.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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