A collective of Winnipeg entrepreneurs, who have united following alleged arson and extortion incidents targeting their businesses, are urging law enforcement to intervene before any harm occurs. This group has established an online chat to exchange details about the perpetrators they claim have been focusing on them for several months. Members are convinced they have identified the individuals extorting them and are calling on the police to intervene before the situation escalates into violence.
Expressing concerns for potential fatalities or injuries, one member emphasized the urgency for action, stating, “What is it going to take? Like, at some point maybe someone gets killed, maybe someone gets stuck in one of these businesses when it’s burning.” They expressed hope that if the police apply pressure on the suspects, valuable information could be obtained to uncover the masterminds behind these criminal acts.
A business owner disclosed that he was threatened with paying protection money to prevent his business from being targeted. To safeguard their identities due to fear of repercussions, individuals in the group have chosen not to be named publicly.
According to the members, their establishments face arson attacks when they resist paying extortion money demanded by the threatening individuals. They cited a recent incident in Winnipeg’s Weston neighborhood as a prime example of the modus operandi of these criminals.
Surveillance footage shared by one member captured two masked individuals entering Logan Convenience in the early hours of a Tuesday. One suspect poured a liquid, presumably gasoline, on the floor while the other forced an employee out before setting the store ablaze. CBC News authenticated the video originating from the store.
Members expressed their reluctance to reopen their businesses out of fear that the extortion attempts might persist. Some entrepreneurs have gone to the extent of relocating out of the province for safety reasons.
City officials in Winnipeg have raised concerns over a series of recent arson attacks on various businesses. Following four vacant properties being set ablaze on the same morning, officials urged the public to assist in combating this issue.
Contrary to speculations, Winnipeg Police Service Insp. Jennifer McKinnon clarified that while arsonists may have targeted multiple businesses concurrently, the incidents are not necessarily linked. She emphasized the need to differentiate between the fires based on the motivations and methods employed in setting them.
The Winnipeg police’s major crimes unit has initiated 177 arson investigations by September, resulting in 23 arrests.