(FOX40.COM) – The FBI’s Sacramento Field Office is undergoing a 34-county investigation into a racketeering scheme that allegedly targets residents with family or business ties to India.
The agency said the targets have been threatened with violence and it is believed these criminal acts are under-reported.
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“Criminals are targeting hardworking, law-abiding business owners and using criminals to extort them, which is a clear violation of the law,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said in a statement. “Timely reporting of extortion attempts to authorities will help law enforcement identify and disrupt this criminal scheme, ensuring the safety and economic security of the community.”
Those targeted by the blackmailers were told to pay a large sum of money and threatened with violence or death if the demands were not met.
Reports indicate that those who have not complied have suffered violence and been targeted with shootings at their homes and vehicles, the FBI said.
The bureau is asking anyone to report threats of violence related to extortion to the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or through the website tips.fbi.gov.
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