B.C. Daily Digest — Jan. 15, 2026: Crime, politics and public safety

Nanaimo coffee-shop confrontation — repeat offender back in custody (Warning: disturbing content)

• Javawocky Coffee House owner Ani Rathore says a known local person refused to leave after finishing a drink; when Rathore dialled 911 he says warm coffee was thrown in his face. He forced the person out and the individual was later taken back into custody. Rathore has run the Front Street café since 2023.

Maple Ridge councillor charged with four counts of sexual assault

• Coun. Ahmed Antar Yousef Mohamed has been charged with four counts of sexual assault involving two people. Mohamed took leave last May citing "personal matters." Prosecutors approved charges on May 9; alleged incidents span Jan. 2015–Mar. 2024. Claire Hatcher was named special prosecutor; many details remain under publication bans.

Kelowna sees surge of "new faces" tied to downtown crime

• City community safety director Darren Caul and RCMP say many people involved in recent smash-and-grab thefts and public disorder are "largely new faces," with a significant number arriving from the Prairies. Officials point to tightened encampment rules at Tent City as part of shifting patterns.

Extortion spike: 16 reported cases in Surrey so far this year

• Surrey Police Service reports 16 extortion instances since Jan. 1, 2026; 12 victims have come forward. There have been three extortion-related shots-fired calls. A Newton shooting (no injuries) is being linked to extortion threats. Police continue investigations and warn businesses and residents.

Prince George manslaughter arrest in teen fentanyl death

• A 17-year-old was arrested Jan. 13, 2026, and charged with manslaughter in the June 26, 2024 fentanyl-related death of a 16-year-old girl found unconscious on McMaster Crescent. The accused youth was released on conditions; RCMP offered condolences to the family.

Premier Eby in India: downplays RCMP "Bishnoi" report, promotes B.C. LNG and mining

• While on a trade mission in Mumbai, Premier David Eby called an RCMP document alleging the Bishnoi gang was "acting on behalf of the Indian government" a compilation of year-old public reports, not an RCMP intelligence dossier. He also highlighted Indian interest in B.C. LNG (LNG Canada Phase 2, KSI Lisims, Woodfibre) and said an extortion task force update is due next week.