5 Indians held by Canada police for violence and extortion after year-long probe

Five Indian nationals have been arrested and charged by Canadian law enforcement in connection with alleged violence and extortion. One of the five was, in fact, lured back to Canada from India recently and arrested on his arrival at Toronto airport.

HT-Sanket: Arms and ammunition seized during the arrest of five Indian nationals for their alleged involvement in extortion. (Credit: Langley RCMP)The investigation was led by the Langley detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). It dated back to June 2025 when co-owners of an auto dealership in Langley in British Columbia reported they were “victims of significant extortion demands.” The business was targeted twice in attacks involving arson and shootings, at its Surrey and Langley locations. “This underscores the serious nature of the threats and the violence associated with this criminal activity,” a release from Langley RCMP on Friday said.

Through a dedicated project team and extensive operations across Canada and internationally, investigators identified a group allegedly involved in extortions, trafficking prohibited firearms, and trafficking controlled substances, it added.

Among those charged is Sanket Singla, 23, who was in India when investigators identified his alleged role in the matter. Working in coordination with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and international RCMP Liaison Officers, investigators “facilitated a controlled operation” that caused Singla “to enter Canada” leading to his arrest on October 1.

The other four accused were arrested in Surrey and remain in custody. They were identified as Sahil, 24, Simranjeet Singh, 24, Harsh, 21, all resident of Surrey, and Jagdeep Singh, from Ottawa.

The charges they face include extortion, recklessly discharging a firearm, causing damage by fire or explosion to property, throwing an explosive substance with the intent to destroy or damage property, and unauthorised transfer of a prohibited firearm.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of numerous dangerous items including four firearms, assorted ammunition and magazines, and illicit substances such as suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and opium, Langley RCMP said, adding that evidence was obtained pertaining to the possible involvement of other suspects in extortions and acts of violence committed in communities across British Columbia and Alberta.

“I want to sincerely thank the victims for their courage in coming forward, their support throughout the investigation, and the trust they placed in us to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring it before the courts,” Superintendent Harm Dosanje, Officer in Charge of Langley RCMP, said.

Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb.Read More