Canadian police have arrested five foreign nationals in connection with an investigation into alleged extortion, shootings, arson and the trafficking of prohibited firearms and controlled substances in British Columbia.
The arrests were announced by Langley RCMP on October 2, 2026 after an investigation that started in June 2025. Police said the case involved possible attacks on extortion demands to an auto dealership.
Project E_PURSUANCE involved law enforcement agencies in Canada and abroad.
Sanket Singla Arrested at Toronto Airport
One of the accused, 23-year-old Sanket Singla, was in India during the investigation, police said.
Investigators found out his alleged role and concluded that it was in the public interest for him to appear before a Canadian court. Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and international RCMP liaison officers, authorities arranged what police described as a controlled operation.
Singla had entered Canada from India and was arrested on arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport on October 1, police said.
Four others arrested in Surrey
The other four accused were arrested in Surrey, British Columbia.
Police identified them as Sahil, 24, of Surrey; Simranjeet Singh, 24, of Surrey; Harsh, 21, of Surrey; and Jagdeep Singh, 24, of Ottawa, Ontario.
The accused are now facing extortion, firearms-related charges and charges of damage to property by fire or explosion. Some of them are also charged with drug-trafficking. All five are in police custody.
Investigation began with Extortion Demands
The Langley RCMP said they were investigating in June 2025 following co-owners of an auto dealership who provided extortion demands.
Police said the business was subsequently targeted in shootings and arson attacks in Surrey and Langley.
Investigators later identified an alleged group involved in extortion as well as the trafficking of prohibited firearms and controlled substances. Four firearms, ammunition and magazines were seized, along with suspected fentanyl, cocaine and opium.
Police Investigating Wider Links
Investigators have also found evidence of other suspects and extortion or violent incidents in communities across British Columbia and Alberta, investigators said.
Police continue to investigate those cases and additional charges could be laid as the investigations progress.
The case illustrates the cross-border nature of the investigation, with Canadian authorities working with immigration, border and international policing agencies to arrest a suspect who had been in India.
The accused have been accused and have not been convicted. Their cases will proceed through the Canadian court system.
