Canada crackdown: Two Punjabi youths arrested in Surrey firing case linked to extortion network
Two Punjabi-origin men have been arrested in Canada after shots were fired at a Surrey residence allegedly linked to an extortion case. Police say both accused are foreign nationals and investigations into gang-linked violence are ongoing
PTC Web Desk: Two Punjabi-origin men living in Canada have been arrested after a shooting incident at a Surrey residence that investigators believe may be connected to ongoing extortion-related activities targeting the South Asian community.
According to the Surrey Police Service, officers rushed to a home in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue shortly after midnight on April 22 following reports of gunfire. Investigators later found bullet damage at the property as well as a nearby vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The case was later handed over to the Extortion Response Team, which traced a suspect vehicle and carried out a search operation at another Surrey property. The raid was conducted with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and the Canada Border Services Agency.
The police have identified the accused as 22-year-old Damanjeet Singh and 30-year-old Pardaman Singh. Both have been charged with firing a gun into a property while being aware or allegedly disregarding the possibility that people may have been inside. They also face charges related to possession of restricted or prohibited firearms without valid licences.
Authorities said both accused are foreign nationals and remain in custody. Damanjeet Singh is scheduled to appear in court on May 19, while Pardaman Singh’s next hearing is set for June 1.
Investigators have also publicly released photographs of the two men, saying the move is aimed at encouraging potential witnesses and victims to come forward with information connected to violent extortion operations.
The arrests come amid growing concern over organised extortion rackets targeting members of the South Asian diaspora in Canada. Recently, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) issued a special alert warning about the exploitation of young Indian men studying in Canada by criminal gangs involved in violence and intimidation.
In its report, FINTRAC highlighted the role of the Bishnoi gang and the rival Bambiha gang in escalating such criminal activities. The agency noted that the Canadian government formally listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation in September 2025.