Police say auto dealership in British Columbia was targeted in two attacks; one accused was brought from India and arrested in Toronto
Five Indian nationals have been arrested and charged in Canada in connection with an alleged extortion operation involving shootings and arson at an automobile dealership in British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.
The investigation began in June 2025 after the co-owners of an auto dealership reported what police described as significant extortion demands. The business was subsequently targeted in two separate attacks involving arson and gunfire at its locations in Surrey and Langley.
The case was investigated under Project E_PURSUANCE, involving the RCMP and partner agencies. The British Columbia Prosecution Service laid charges against five men on October 1.
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The accused include 23-year-old Sanket Singla, who faces charges including extortion, reckless discharge of firearms, causing damage by fire and throwing an explosive substance
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Police said Singla was in India when investigators identified his alleged involvement
Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP liaison officers, investigators facilitated his controlled entry into Canada. Singla was arrested after arriving in Toronto on October 1 and remains in custody.
The other four accused — Sahil, 24, Simranjeet Singh, 24, Harsh, 21, and Ottawa-based Jagdeep Singh, 24 — were arrested in Surrey and also remain in custody. They face various charges relating to extortion and firearms offences. Sahil also faces allegations involving the unauthorised transfer of a prohibited firearm and cocaine trafficking.
Police said the investigation resulted in the seizure of four firearms, ammunition and magazines, along with substances suspected to be fentanyl, cocaine and opium.
The RCMP said evidence also points to possible links between other suspects and extortion or violent incidents in British Columbia and Alberta. Those investigations remain ongoing, and further charges could follow. The allegations against the five accused have not been proven in court. The Print
