Two Men Face New Charges in Extortion Shootings as Manhunt Intensifies for Third Suspect
Two men arrested following an extortion-related shooting at a prominent Surrey businessman's mansion have had additional charges sworn against them, while a third suspect remains the focus of a nationwide manhunt. The British Columbia extortion task force has identified all three individuals, who now face a variety of firearms and extortion charges across multiple jurisdictions.
Surrey Shooting Incidents and Arrests
On November 8, shots were fired at the home of Sandeep Ahuj, co-owner of the Punjab Insurance Agency and a well-known Surrey businessman. Surrey police responded to a second shooting at the same location just four days later, on November 12. These incidents triggered an intensive investigation that has now resulted in significant developments.
Surrey police arrested 22-year-old Avtar Singh on December 5, initially charging him with one count of unlawfully discharging a firearm. On Friday, authorities added an extortion charge to his case. Similarly, 28-year-old Sandeep Singh now faces identical charges related to the Surrey incidents. Both men are currently in custody as legal proceedings advance.
Third Suspect Sought in Nationwide Search
A third individual, 24-year-old Jagdeep Singh, faces the same charges as his alleged accomplices, but his whereabouts remain unknown. Law enforcement agencies across Canada are actively searching for Singh, who is considered dangerous and is wanted by both the Alberta RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Jagdeep Singh is connected to extortion-related shootings near Edmonton that occurred on October 31 and November 6. The charges against him in Alberta include two counts of extortion, two counts of discharge from a firearm with intent, eight firearms offences, and two counts of disguise with intent. He stands approximately 5-foot-10, weighs 180 pounds, and has black hair.
Firearm Linked to Multiple Shootings Across Canada
In a concerning development, a firearm seized by RCMP during a November traffic stop in Red Deer has been forensically linked to seven separate shootings across Canada. Jagdeep Singh had been stopped by Red Deer police with this weapon in his vehicle but was released pending further investigation at that time. The weapon's connection to multiple violent incidents has heightened the urgency of the manhunt.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
Lower Mainland Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound emphasized the complexity of extortion investigations, stating, "Extortion investigations require a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. The B.C. extortion task force is pursuing every investigative avenue to gather evidence, identify and locate suspects and move these files forward to the point where the B.C. Prosecution Service approves charges."
Pound further explained the collaborative nature of the investigation: "From the outset of our investigations into extortion in B.C., the B.C. RCMP and the B.C. provincial extortion task force have been liaising with our counterparts across the country and through the RCMP's federal policing program. Investigative efforts and forensic analysis are allowing us to continue working towards seeking charges against those committing these crimes. Our efforts are not limited to our province, and we will not stop looking, investigating and pursuing criminal charges against those involved."
The case highlights growing concerns about extortion-related violence affecting businesses and communities in British Columbia and beyond. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to apprehending all individuals involved in these serious criminal activities.
