International Law Enforcement Actions Target Punjab-Origin Individuals in North America
In a span of just two days, law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States have taken significant actions against individuals of Punjab origin in separate cases involving firearms and criminal activities. These developments highlight ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime and illegal weapons trafficking.
Surrey Shooting Case Leads to Arrests of Three Foreign Nationals
In Surrey, Canada, authorities have arrested three young men of Punjab origin following an extortion-related shooting incident. The arrests occurred on February 1, with Surrey Police taking Harjot Singh (21), Taranveer Singh (19), and Dayaljeet Singh Billing (21) into custody.
All three individuals face serious charges under Canada's Criminal Code, specifically one count each of discharging a firearm into a residence or business. Police investigations confirmed that the suspects are foreign nationals, prompting authorities to engage the Canada Border Services Agency regarding their immigration status and potential implications.
The trio has been remanded in custody as they await their next court appearance, scheduled for February 5. This case represents another instance of international law enforcement cooperation in addressing criminal activities involving foreign nationals.
California Firearms Case Results in Guilty Plea
Meanwhile, in California, United States authorities have secured a guilty plea from 27-year-old Jashanpreet Singh of Lodi. The plea was entered on February 2 and involves charges of unlawful dealing of firearms and possession of a machine gun.
According to the FBI Sacramento field office, Singh founded the "Punjabi Devils" Motorcycle Club, an outlaw gang based in Stockton with documented ties to the notorious Hells Angels motorcycle gang. The investigation revealed disturbing details about Singh's activities.
On June 6, 2025, Singh attempted to sell an extensive arsenal to an undercover officer, including:
- A short-barreled rifle
- Three assault weapons
- Three machine gun conversion devices
- A revolver
Subsequent searches of his residence uncovered even more dangerous items:
- A machine gun
- A silencer
- A fused hand grenade
- An electronic claymore mine
Dramatic Airport Arrest and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Initially facing state charges in San Joaquin County related to these offenses, Singh failed to appear in court on July 21, 2025. As warrants were issued for his arrest, the FBI received crucial intelligence on July 23, 2025, indicating that Singh had booked a ticket to India and was scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025.
Law enforcement moved quickly to intercept him at the airport, resulting in his arrest before he could leave the country. Singh remains in federal custody and is scheduled for sentencing on May 11, 2026.
The potential penalties he faces are substantial:
- Up to five years imprisonment for illegal firearms dealing
- Up to ten years imprisonment for machine gun possession
- Potential fines totaling $500,000
Broader Law Enforcement Context
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative specifically targeting transnational criminal organizations and violent crimes related to illegal immigration. The coordinated efforts between Canadian and American authorities demonstrate the international dimension of modern law enforcement challenges.
These cases occurring within two days of each other underscore the ongoing vigilance of North American law enforcement agencies against firearms-related crimes and organized criminal activities with potential international connections.
