Arrests in Canada Raise Concerns Over Extortion Networks Targeting South Asian Community

OTTAWA, Ontario — The arrests of two Punjab-origin Indian nationals in Canada in connection with a shooting in British Columbia have renewed concerns about alleged extortion networks targeting members of the South Asian community.

The case comes as Canadian law enforcement agencies warn of gang-driven criminal networks using intimidation, violence and financial pressure against diaspora communities. According to a Khalsa Vox report, Canada’s financial intelligence agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, has warned that vulnerable young people on study permits are allegedly being recruited by criminal syndicates for violent acts and intimidation campaigns.

The advisory cited the alleged role of the Bishnoi and Bambiha gangs in such activity and noted that Canadian authorities formally designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity in 2024.

The arrests followed an investigation by the Surrey Police Service into gunfire reported at a residence in Surrey in the early hours of April 22. Officers responding to the 13400 block of 87A Avenue found evidence that bullets had struck both a home and a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported.

“The arrests followed an investigation by the Surrey Police Service into gunfire reported at a residence in Surrey during the early hours of April 22. Officers responding to the scene in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue found evidence of bullets striking both a home and a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident,” the Khalsa Vox report said.

The investigation was later transferred to an Extortion Response Team, which located a suspect vehicle and carried out a coordinated raid at a Surrey property. The operation involved several agencies, including the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and the Canada Border Services Agency.

“The probe was later transferred to the Extortion Response Team, which tracked down a suspect vehicle and carried out a coordinated raid on a Surrey property. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and the Canada Border Services Agency,” the report said.

Police identified the accused as 22-year-old Damanjeet Singh and 30-year-old Pardaman Singh, both foreign nationals living in Canada. Authorities said they face charges of firing a weapon into an occupied place and unlawful possession of restricted firearms.

Investigators allege the two men are connected to a broader pattern of violent intimidation and extortion that has increasingly affected members of the South Asian diaspora across Canada. Both suspects remain in custody, with court proceedings scheduled for later this month and in early June.

“Investigators alleged that the accused were connected to a wider pattern of violent intimidation and extortion activities that have increasingly affected members of the South Asian diaspora across Canada. Both suspects remain in custody pending court proceedings scheduled later this month and in early June,” the report said.

Canadian officials suspect additional people linked to organized criminal networks may be involved.

A recent Khalsa Vox report said rising extortion threats against Punjabi builders in Vancouver show how organized crime can spread beyond a single suburb or community if left unchecked. The report said what began as isolated incidents in Surrey, often involving cash demands delivered by phone, social media or letters, has grown into a wider problem affecting trust, business activity and public safety. (Source: IANS)