Surrey/B.C./IBNS, Dec. 2 -- The federal government and the province of British Columbia announced new coordinated measures to combat a rise in extortion targeting residents and businesses across the Lower Mainland.

Crimes authorities say are increasingly linked to organised networks and often carried out online through threats and intimidation.

Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota joined B.C. Premier David Eby, Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger, Attorney General Niki Sharma, municipal officials and law-enforcement leaders at a trilateral summit in Surrey to discuss enforcement challenges and supports for victims.

The summit highlighted the work of the B.C. Extortio...