By Emily Chen, The Appleton Times
SURREY, British Columbia — Two men have been charged in connection with a series of extortion-related shootings targeting a prominent Surrey businessman's mansion, while authorities across Canada continue a nationwide manhunt for a third suspect linked to similar incidents in both British Columbia and Alberta.
The arrests and charges stem from gunfire incidents at the home of Sandeep Ahuja, co-owner of the Punjab Insurance Agency, on November 8 and again four days later on November 12. Surrey police responded to the initial shooting, where shots were fired at Ahuja's mansion, prompting a swift investigation into what officials described as extortion attempts against local business owners.
Avtar Singh, 22, was arrested by Surrey police on December 5 and initially charged with one count of unlawfully discharging a firearm. On Friday, prosecutors added an extortion charge against him. Similarly, 28-year-old Sandeep Singh now faces the same dual charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm and extortion, according to court documents reviewed by The Appleton Times.
A third individual, 24-year-old Jagdeep Singh, is the primary focus of the ongoing manhunt. He faces identical charges in the Surrey case but remains at large, with his whereabouts unknown. Authorities have warned that Singh is considered armed and dangerous.
The case has broader implications, as Jagdeep Singh is also wanted in Alberta for extortion-related shootings near Edmonton on October 31 and November 6. Alberta RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency are actively searching for him in connection with those incidents, where he allegedly faces two counts of extortion, two counts of discharging a firearm with intent, eight firearms offenses, and two counts of disguise with intent.
According to police reports, Singh was stopped by Red Deer police in November during a traffic stop, at which time a firearm was found in his vehicle. He was released pending further investigation, but the gun was seized by the RCMP and later forensically linked to seven separate shootings across Canada, highlighting the interconnected nature of these crimes.
Jagdeep Singh is described as 5-foot-10 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with black hair. The Canada Border Services Agency has issued alerts at borders and ports of entry, emphasizing the cross-country scope of the investigation.
Lower Mainland Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound addressed the complexity of these cases in a statement released by the B.C. RCMP. “Extortion investigations require a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail,” Pound said. He underscored the dedication of the B.C. extortion task force, noting that they are pursuing every investigative avenue to gather evidence, identify suspects, and secure charges.
Pound further explained the collaborative effort involved: “From the outset of our investigations into extortion in B.C., the B.C. RCMP and the B.C. provincial extortion task force have been liaising with our counterparts across the country and through the RCMP’s federal policing program. Investigative efforts and forensic analysis are allowing us to continue working towards seeking charges against those committing these crimes. Our efforts are not limited to our province, and we will not stop looking, investigating and pursuing criminal charges against those involved.”
This statement comes amid a rising wave of extortion cases targeting South Asian business communities in British Columbia, particularly in the Lower Mainland. Reports indicate that such incidents have surged in recent years, often involving threats via social media or direct intimidation, with perpetrators demanding payments under threat of violence. The Surrey shootings are part of this pattern, where Ahuja's home was targeted twice in quick succession, raising concerns about the safety of affluent homeowners in the area.
Surrey, a city of about 600,000 residents just outside Vancouver, has seen an uptick in gang-related activities, including extortion rackets. Local police have attributed some of these to organized crime groups operating from within the Indo-Canadian community, though officials caution against generalizations. The Punjab Insurance Agency, co-owned by Ahuja, is a well-established firm providing services to the region's large South Asian diaspora, making it a potential high-profile target for extortionists seeking quick financial gains.
In Alberta, the Edmonton-area shootings follow a similar modus operandi, with victims reportedly receiving demands for money accompanied by warnings of violence. The RCMP's forensic linking of the seized firearm to multiple incidents underscores how these crimes span provinces, complicating local law enforcement efforts. One source familiar with the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the gun's ballistics matched casings from scenes in British Columbia, Alberta, and potentially other areas, suggesting a coordinated network.
The B.C. extortion task force, formed in response to increasing reports of such crimes, has been instrumental in connecting the dots. Established under the provincial RCMP, the unit works with municipal forces like Surrey RCMP and federal agencies to share intelligence. Their efforts have led to several arrests in recent months, but the persistence of these cases points to deeper challenges in disrupting the underlying criminal enterprises.
Community leaders in Surrey have expressed alarm over the incidents. While Ahuja declined to comment directly through his representatives, a spokesperson for the Punjab Insurance Agency confirmed the business is operating normally but emphasized the need for heightened security. "These events are deeply unsettling for our family and the community," the spokesperson said, adding that they are cooperating fully with authorities.
As the manhunt for Jagdeep Singh intensifies, law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers or directly to the RCMP. The case's national scope has drawn attention from federal officials, who are considering enhanced resources for cross-border policing.
The charges against the three men represent a significant step forward, but experts in organized crime suggest that extortion rings like this one often involve more participants. "These are not isolated acts; they're part of a larger pattern that preys on successful immigrants," said a criminologist at Simon Fraser University, who has studied gang activities in B.C. but requested anonymity due to ongoing research.
With court dates pending for Avtar and Sandeep Singh, the focus remains on apprehending Jagdeep Singh. The collaborative investigation serves as a reminder of the RCMP's commitment to tackling transnational crime, even as communities grapple with the fear instilled by these brazen attacks. As Pound indicated, the pursuit will continue unabated, with no jurisdictional boundaries halting the effort to bring all involved to justice.
In the broader context, the rise in extortion cases has prompted calls for legislative changes, including tougher penalties for firearms offenses related to organized crime. British Columbia's attorney general has signaled support for such measures, citing the need to protect vulnerable businesses from intimidation. Meanwhile, the incidents in Surrey and Edmonton highlight vulnerabilities in Canada's patchwork of provincial policing, where federal coordination is key to success.
For now, residents in affected areas are advised to report suspicious activities immediately. The Appleton Times will continue to follow developments in this case as more information emerges from the ongoing investigations.