Two men have been formally charged in connection with an extortion-related shooting that occurred on April 22 in Surrey, British Columbia. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has released their mug shots in an effort to advance the investigation into the extortion network that has been plaguing the community.
Details of the Charges
Damanjeet Singh, 22, and Pardaman Singh, 30, each face one count of discharging a firearm into a place knowing or being reckless as to whether someone was present, and one count of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without a licence. Both men are foreign nationals, and the Canada Border Services Agency was involved in the operation leading to their arrest.
The Shooting Incident
The SPS Extortion Response Team identified a vehicle suspected to be involved in a shooting in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue around 12:40 a.m. on April 22. The gunfire damaged both a residence and a vehicle. Although the home was occupied at the time, no injuries were reported.
Following the identification of the suspect vehicle, investigators obtained a search warrant. The Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team, along with SPS officers, executed a raid on a Surrey residence, leading to the arrests.
Ongoing Extortion Problem
As of May 11, Surrey has recorded 16 extortion-related shootings and 98 reported extortion incidents this year. The SPS hopes that releasing the suspects' photos will encourage the public to come forward with information that can help dismantle the extortion networks affecting British Columbia and Canada.
The Surrey Extortion Reward Fund, established at $250,000, offers a reward to individuals who provide key information leading to charges and convictions in these cases.
How to Help
Anyone with information about Damanjeet Singh or Pardaman Singh is urged to contact the SPS non-emergency number at (604) 599-0502 or the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at (236) 485-5149. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.solvecrime.ca.
The two men remain in custody, with their next court appearances scheduled for May 19 and June 1.
