Two Young Indians Arrested in Surrey as Extortion Wave Hits British Columbia's Punjabi Community
In a significant development, two young Indian nationals have been arrested in Surrey, British Columbia, amid a rising wave of extortion-linked attacks targeting the South Asian, particularly Punjabi, community. The arrests come as authorities grapple with what British Columbia Premier David Eby has described as 'a terror attack in slow motion', prompting calls for stricter bail and sentencing laws to combat organised crime.
Details of the Arrest
The Surrey Police Service's extortion task force apprehended Harshdeep Singh, aged 20, and Hanspreet Singh, aged 21, on January 26, 2026. The arrests occurred shortly after a single shot was fired in the area near 129 Street and 84 Avenue. Police stopped the suspects' vehicle and seized a loaded handgun, leading to multiple firearm-related charges, including occupying a vehicle with a prohibited firearm and dangerous driving. Both individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues.
In an unusual move, the police released photographs of the suspects to encourage witnesses or potential victims to come forward. This step aims to determine if the incident is connected to a wider extortion campaign that has been plaguing the region. While no specific extortion demand has been publicly linked to this shooting, authorities note that the circumstances align with a broader pattern of intimidation targeting wealthy business owners of Punjabi origin.
Background of the Extortion Wave
Surrey and neighbouring areas are home to Canada's largest Punjabi diaspora, with many immigrants excelling in sectors such as construction, trucking, real estate, and hospitality. Their visible success has made them prime targets for extortion threats. Investigators believe that recent arrivals from India are being recruited by overseas criminal networks to carry out 'warning' attacks, often involving shootings and arson.
Extortion attempts typically involve calls and WhatsApp messages, many traced back to India, demanding payments ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Refusal to comply has led to violent repercussions, including shootings at homes and arson attacks on businesses. Victims are often reluctant to report these threats due to fear and community stigma, complicating law enforcement efforts.
Escalating Violence and Recent Incidents
The past three months have seen a spate of attacks, highlighting the severity of the situation. Key incidents include:
- November 5, 2025: Shots fired at a Punjabi builder's residence in Surrey's Newton area, with more than a dozen rounds striking the home while the family was inside.
- November 12, 2025: Gunfire targeted a luxury mansion owned by a Punjabi businessman in Panorama Ridge, Surrey.
- November 18, 2025: Arson destroyed a South Asian-owned restaurant in Abbotsford following unpaid extortion demands.
- November 25, 2025: Multiple shots hit a Punjabi family home in Surrey's Fleetwood neighbourhood.
- December 3, 2025: Drive-by shooting at a Punjabi construction company owner's residence in Delta.
- December 10, 2025: Firebombs torched a Punjabi-owned trucking depot in Surrey.
- December 18, 2025: Gunfire at a home in Surrey's Clayton Heights, resulting in one minor injury.
- December 28, 2025: Arson heavily damaged a Punjabi-owned banquet hall in Richmond.
- January 4, 2026: Shots fired at a residence in Surrey's Whalley area owned by a prominent Punjabi entrepreneur.
- January 15, 2026: Gunfire struck a Punjabi builder's home and vehicles in Langley.
- January 26, 2026: The incident leading to the arrests of Harshdeep Singh and Hanspreet Singh.
- January 28, 2026: Another Punjabi family home sprayed with bullets in Surrey's Bridgeview area, just days after the arrests.
Police data reveals that more than 132 extortion attempts were reported in 2025, with nearly 50 involving gunfire, underscoring the escalating violence.
Political Response and Community Impact
British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed grave concern after meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other premiers on January 29. He urged Parliament to pass Bill C-14, which focuses on bail and sentencing reform to tighten rules for repeat violent offenders and organised crime suspects. Eby also highlighted a loophole that allows accused foreign nationals to delay deportation through refugee claims, calling for legislative changes to address this issue.
For the Punjabi community in Surrey, the arrests offer limited reassurance. Many families have taken drastic measures, such as installing bulletproof glass, hiring private security, and altering daily routines to cope with ongoing threats. With federal resources being deployed and legislative reforms under discussion, the community is closely monitoring whether these efforts can effectively contain the campaign of intimidation.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to investigate potential links to international criminal networks, including the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been associated with some extortion threats in the South Asian community. As the extortion wave persists, the need for robust legal and community-based solutions becomes increasingly urgent to ensure safety and justice for all affected residents.
