Three young men of Punjabi origin have been formally charged with serious firearm offences following an early-morning shooting incident at a residential property in Surrey, Canada. The event, which occurred on February 1, is believed by law enforcement to be connected to the ongoing wave of extortion schemes that have been plaguing the Punjabi community in British Columbia.
Details of the Charges and Arrest
Harjot Singh, aged 21, Taranveer Singh, aged 19, and Dayajeet Singh Billing, aged 21, were each charged with one count of discharging a firearm in the Crescent Beach neighbourhood. This charge falls under Section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada. The suspects are currently held in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for February 5, 2026. Authorities have notified the Canada Border Services Agency as the individuals are foreign nationals.
Incident and Police Response
According to the Surrey Police Service, officers responded to reports of shots fired and a small fire outside a residence near Crescent Road and 132 Street at approximately 3:50 am. The home sustained damage from bullets, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The suspects were arrested shortly after the incident near 28 Avenue and 140 Street, where they had attempted to flee in a rideshare vehicle.
Extortion Crisis in the Punjabi Community
Authorities have described this shooting as another example of extortion-related violence, a crisis that has disproportionately affected Surrey's large Punjabi and South Asian population. Many victims, often successful business owners or homeowners of Punjabi descent, receive anonymous demands for large sums of money. These demands are typically backed by threats of violence, arson, or shootings if the payments are refused.
Transnational Networks and Community Impact
The surge in such crimes has been linked to transnational networks, with some perpetrators believed to be recent arrivals from Punjab acting on instructions from organised gangs based in the region. In response to the escalating threats, Surrey declared a local state of emergency in late January 2026. Provincial and federal authorities have bolstered resources through dedicated task forces to combat this issue.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
The investigation into this incident remains active, with police indicating that additional charges are possible as more evidence is gathered. Surrey Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising their efforts to protect vulnerable community members from further intimidation and violence. This case underscores the broader challenges faced by the Punjabi community in Canada amid rising extortion-related crimes.
