creative

An extortion racket has taken a new twist with would-be victims being offered protection from the extortionist – in return for cash.

At least two businesses have received calls asking for $2000 protection money, The New Zealand Herald reported.

The calls come as police investigate reports of a Mandarin-speaking man calling Asian businesses asking for sums ranging from a few thousand dollars to $20,000.

Counties Manukau police spokeswoman Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey said the caller claimed to part of an Asian gang.

"Police employees in the wider Auckland area have been deployed to the targeted businesses and are ensuring that there is no fear within the region," she said.

"Police advise the public if contacted by the caller to not present themselves as vulnerable and to not be intimidated."

Ms Gates-Bowey said the Asian community had responded well so far and urged anyone who was contacted to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

Police said anyone receiving these calls should note down all details of what was said, and whether any threats were made.

"Do not give out any bank details or pin numbers over the telephone and be alert around your business place. If you notice anything suspicious contact police immediately," Counties Manukau police's Asian liaison officer Justin Zeng said.

Police said no one had yet reported giving any money to the callers.

i saw the original article about the initial extortion attempt a couple of days ago.
at that stage, the potential victims were being asked for protection money. they were refusing to bite and reporting this to the police.

now someone is offering them protection for the previos extortionist

i wonder if its the same guy