Punjabi-Origin California Man Admits Guilt in Major Firearms Case
Jashanpreet Singh, a 27-year-old man of Punjabi descent and the founder of the Stockton-based Punjabi Devils motorcycle club, has pleaded guilty to serious federal firearms charges in California. The guilty plea was entered on Monday, with federal prosecutors announcing the development in a case that has drawn significant attention due to its transnational connections.
Outlaw Gang with Distinct Identity
The Punjabi Devils motorcycle club, which Singh established, is described by law enforcement authorities as an outlaw organization with documented ties to the notorious Hells Angels motorcycle club. Members of the Punjabi Devils are known for displaying distinctive club patches that feature the outline of Punjab with a turbaned skull, creating a unique visual identity that blends cultural symbolism with outlaw biker imagery.
Undercover Operation Reveals Illegal Weapons Trade
According to court documents released by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California, Singh attempted to sell multiple illegal weapons to an undercover officer on June 6, 2025. The weapons offered in this transaction included:
- A short-barreled rifle
- Three assault weapons
- Three machine gun conversion devices
- A revolver
This undercover operation provided crucial evidence that led to further investigation and subsequent charges against the motorcycle club founder.
Residence Search Uncovers Dangerous Arsenal
Following the initial undercover transaction, authorities conducted a search of Singh's residence in Lodi, California. The search revealed a substantial cache of illegal weapons and explosives, including:
- A fully automatic machine gun
- An additional machine gun conversion device
- A silencer
- High-capacity drum magazines
- Explosives including a "pineapple"-style hand grenade
- What appeared to be a military claymore mine
The San Joaquin County Sheriff's bomb squad was called to the scene and safely destroyed the explosives on site, preventing potential harm to the community.
Attempted Escape and Airport Arrest
After initially facing state charges, Singh failed to appear in court in July 2025, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. Just days after missing his court appearance, Singh booked a flight to India in what authorities believe was an attempt to flee the country and avoid prosecution.
His escape plan was thwarted on July 26, 2025, when US Customs and Border Protection alerted authorities about his travel plans. Singh was arrested at San Francisco International Airport as he prepared to board his flight to India, ending his attempted international escape.
Legal Consequences and Broader Investigation
Jashanpreet Singh remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for May 11, 2026. He faces substantial penalties for his crimes, including:
- Up to five years in prison for unlawful dealing in firearms
- Up to ten years in prison for possession of a machine gun
- Potential fines of $250,000 on each count
This case represents part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative specifically designed to target transnational criminal organizations and combat violent crime across the United States. The investigation involved multiple federal and local agencies working in coordination to build the case against Singh and his associates.
The guilty plea marks a significant development in efforts to address illegal firearms trafficking and organized criminal activity with international connections, particularly those involving outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in California and beyond.
