Edmonton Police Seek Extradition of Alleged Leader of Criminal Organization Linked to Arsons and Extortions
According to Edmonton police, a man wanted in connection with a series of crimes in the city has been apprehended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The arrest came after an Edmonton Police Service (EPS) investigation known as “Project Gaslight” aimed at crimes targeting the South Asian business community.
EPS probed 40 incidents related to extortion in Edmonton, with similar investigations in other Canadian cities.
Following the investigation, a nationwide warrant was issued for Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, 35, believed to be the mastermind behind the extortion ring.
Edmonton police say they’ve applied to have Maninder Singh Dhaliwal sent to Canada, after he was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in 2024. Edmonton Police Service Handout Photo
Authorities are now seeking his extradition back to Canada.
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EPS Inspector Duane Hunter stated, “This investigation has been a massive effort on the part of EPS investigators, with never-before seen complexities involving international coordination, and we are very pleased to see it conclude with the request for the extradition of Dhaliwal.”
Last year, six other individuals, including Jashandeep Kaur, Gurkaran Singh, Manav Heer, Parminder Singh, Divnoor Asht, and a 17-year-old male at the time of the offenses, were also arrested in connection with the crimes on July 25, 2024.
A total of 54 charges, including extortion, arson, firearm discharge, break-ins, assault with a weapon, and offenses related to criminal organizations, have been laid.
Since July 2024, no new incidents have been reported, indicated police.
He also noted, “However, we know Dhaliwal is actively recruiting other young people and we want parents, specifically from the South Asian community, to be aware and to have conversations with their young adults about the extortions and arsons that have been taking place.”
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Extortions targeted “affluent” members of the South Asian community in Edmonton, as well as in B.C. and Ontario, according to police.
Officials revealed that the crimes were orchestrated in India but carried out by individuals in Canada.
Reportedly, victims received demanding messages via WhatsApp for “substantial” amounts of money in exchange for safety. Some victims in B.C. also received threatening letters, phone calls, and social media messages.
Homebuilders were specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth and ability to pay, as per police statements.
Jennifer Cowan and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
