Five Indian nationals arrested for extortion in Canada
Langley RCMP is announcing the results of Project 'PURSUANCE', a major investigation involving allegations of extortion and violence within our communities. This investigation began in June 2025 following an extortion report from the co-owners of an auto dealership, who were victims of significant extortion demands. This was followed by two targeted attacks on the business involving arson and shootings, at their Surrey and Langley locations. This underscores the serious nature of the threats and the violence associated with this criminal activity. Through a dedicated project team and extensive operations across Canada and internationally, investigators identified a group allegedly involved in extortions, trafficking prohibited firearms, and trafficking controlled substances. As a result of significant investigative efforts, five foreign nationals were arrested and charged. On October 1, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service laid charges against the following individuals: Sanket Singla, 23 –year-old, from India, Sahil, 24-year-old, resident of Surrey, Simranjeet Singh, 24-year-old, resident of Surrey, BC, Harsh, 21-year-old, resident of Surrey, BC and Jagdeep Singh, 24-year-old, resident Ottawa, Ontario. Singla was in India. Through ongoing efforts, investigators identified his alleged role in this matter and determined that it was in the public interest to have him appear before the courts in Canada. Working in close coordination with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and our international RCMP Liaison Officers, investigators facilitated a controlled operation that allowed Singla to enter Canada for the purpose of effecting his arrest. On October 1, Singla was arrested upon arrival in Toronto, where he remains in custody. The other four accused were arrested in Surrey and remain in custody. While residents may have seen a police presence and extortion-related arrests in the community, work was also taking place behind the scenes to identify, investigate, and target those responsible. This demonstrates the RCMP’s ongoing commitment to targeting those involved at the higher levels of extortion and related violence in Canada. The investigation resulted in the seizure of numerous dangerous items that were removed from our communities, including four firearms, assorted ammunition and magazines, and illicit substances such as suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and opium. Additionally, evidence was obtained pertaining to the possible involvement of other suspects in extortions and acts of violence committed in communities across British Columbia and Alberta. Investigators continue to work with partner agencies to support those investigations. As those investigations progress, charges may be pursued by the police of jurisdiction.Project E_PURSUANCE was a Joint Force Operation led by the Langley RCMP, with significant support from CFSEU-BC and Federal Policing Pacific Region (FPPR)through the BC Provincial Extortion Task Force. The investigation also relied on critical partnerships with RCMP Liaison Officers and law enforcement agencies internationally. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the CBSA and IRCC in facilitating a key target’s ability to travel back to Canada, enabling investigators to effect his arrest. This investigation demonstrates the collaboration required to advance a complex matter and bring it before the courts. It relied on the collective efforts, expertise, and resources of multiple policing and partner agencies across British Columbia, Alberta, and internationally. “I want to sincerely thank the victims for their courage in coming forward, their support throughout the investigation, and the trust they placed in us to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring it before the courts,” said Officer in Charge of Langley RCMP, Superintendent Harm Dosange. “We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for its patience, confidence, and continued support over the past several months.”“These files are complex and resource intensive, and they often require specialized police resources in different roles to advance them," says Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, Assistant District Commander and Operations Officer for the Lower Mainland District. "Through providing support to Langley from the Federal Policing Pacific Region and CFSEU-BC layers of the Task Force, the team was able to pursue additional investigative leads and operational strategies the Detachment could not have done alone. This investigation demonstrates the importance of bringing partner agencies together in order to take full advantage of investigative opportunities as they arise."
