Calgary/Canada, May 17 -- Four Indian-origin men were arrested and charged in connection with a violent kidnapping and extortion case that authorities say is part of an ongoing series of crimes targeting the South Asian community in Calgary, Canada.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) said in a release that the incident marked a "significant escalation" in violence linked to extortion networks operating in the region.

Authorities said the suspects took the victim to a residence in Calgary's Cityscape neighbourhood, where additional individuals and vehicles were waiting. Investigators alleged the kidnappers attempted to force the victim to lure a friend, believed to be the intended extortion target, out of his home.

When the victim refused...