Two men have been arrested and charged in Canada following a shooting at a home in Surrey that police say is linked to extortion threats. The incident occurred on April 22 at approximately 12:40 a.m. in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue, according to the Surrey Police Service. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and later confirmed damage to both a residence and a vehicle. No one was injured during the incident.
Details of the Arrests
Damanjeet Singh, 22, and Pardaman Singh, 30, were taken into custody during the operation. Both individuals have been charged with discharging a firearm into a place, knowing or being reckless as to whether someone was present, as well as possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without a licence. Police have stated that both men have been remanded in custody. Damanjeet Singh was due to appear in court on May 19, while Pardaman Singh is scheduled to appear on June 1.
Involvement of Canada Border Services Agency
The Surrey Police Service confirmed that both accused individuals are foreign nationals. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been engaged in the matter. Authorities have released photographs of the accused, stating that the disclosure is necessary to assist ongoing investigations and to help identify wider criminal networks connected to violent extortion cases.
Broader Context of Extortion-Related Violence
This case comes amid growing concern in Canada over extortion-related violence targeting South Asian communities. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), the country's financial intelligence agency, recently issued a bulletin warning of a sustained campaign involving financially vulnerable, young male Indian nationals in Canada on study permits. These individuals are reportedly being used as foot soldiers by gangs for targeted violence against diaspora communities.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing extortion networks that exploit vulnerable individuals. The Surrey Police Service continues to investigate, and further updates are expected as the legal proceedings progress.
