Criminal Code, section 346
Extortion
What the law says
- Maximum
- Life imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum
- No mandatory minimum
- Kind of offence
- Violent
Indictable only. Minimum for extortion with a firearm in other cases (s.346(1.1)(a.1)) repealed by S.C. 2022, c. 15 (Bill C-5). Remaining conditional MMP: 5 years first offence (7 subsequent) with a restricted/prohibited firearm or criminal organization (s.346(1.1)(a)). Sexual nature is an aggravating factor (s.346(1.4)). S.C. 2026, c. 11 (Bill C-14) reportedly requires extortion sentences to run consecutively to arson sentences - not confirmed against the amending text.
7 cases with this offence
- October 6, 2025R. v. Radau, 2025 BCSC 2112
- Below the Crown's ask
- No jail for a violent offence
Two years less a day conditional sentence (12 months house arrest, then curfew), then 18 months probation - January 15, 20256 years jail (6 years extortion; 2 years harassment and 1 year threats concurrent)
- June 5, 2024R. v. Hughes, 2024 BCSC 1103
- Below the Crown's ask
- On release at the time
3.5 years concurrent on each count, less 598 days credit (net 679 days), then 12 months probation - October 14, 202213 years global (8 years extortion, 1 year consecutive for possession of child pornography for distribution, 4 years consecutive for luring, 6 years concurrent for criminal harassment), consecutive to his Dutch sentence
- September 2, 20223.5 years' imprisonment (1 year concurrent on counts 1-2, consecutive to 2.5 years concurrent on counts 3-4); lifetime s. 109 ban, s. 161 orders, DNA, SOIRA for life
- November 12, 20214.5 years' imprisonment on all counts, concurrent
- July 16, 202110 years on kidnapping; 5 years extortion, 4 years overcoming resistance and 3 years aggravated assault concurrent