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Canada Steps Up Extortion Crackdown: Two Deported, 51 Suspects Probed in Edmonton Network

CBSA reports 372 immigration probes, 70 removal orders, 35 enforced deportations.

Arshdeep Singh (left), was removed from Canada on January 19, 2026. Sukhnaaz Singh Sandu (right), was removed from Canada on February 3, 2026.
Edmonton Police badge seen in Edmonton, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Supt. Robinder Gill speaks at an EPS town hall to address South Asian community concerns about threats of violence, on Monday, July 28, 2025 in Edmonton. Police are investigating a small number of threats of violence against the South Asian community.
Edmonton police Supt. Robinder Gill, with the Criminal Investigations Division, said this latest investigation comes after an uptick in extortion cases after the EPS investigation Project Gaslight ended in 2024.

Overview

  • A joint EPS–RCMP–ALERT–CBSA operation led to the removal of two men tied to extortion schemes targeting South Asian businesses in the Edmonton area, including a 22-year-old alleged ringleader.
  • CBSA removed Arshdeep Singh on January 19 and Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu on February 3 under escort after both were found inadmissible for organized criminality linked to extortion, arson, drug trafficking and firearm offences.
  • Police say three additional individuals are in CBSA proceedings and 51 more suspects are linked to a coordinated network with connections to Calgary, B.C.’s Lower Mainland and Ontario.
  • As of March 12, CBSA has opened 372 extortion-related immigration investigations, issued 70 removal orders and enforced 35 removals.
  • Surrey police report 64 extortion files so far this year, including 11 tied to shootings, as the city’s mayor seeks a federal emergency declaration that Ottawa has yet to answer.