BURST
A nationwide search is on for 24-year-old Jagdeep Singh, who faces multiple charges in relation to an alleged extortion operation targeting members of the South Asian community.
Cpl. Mitch Rondeau of Parkland County RCMP said victims face financial threats in the “millions” as he stood near two seized firearms, magazines and ammunition during a press conference at RCMP K Division.
Singh is also wanted by the Canada Border Services Agency. He is 5-foot-10, 180 pounds with black hair. He is considered dangerous.
Parkland RCMP began its investigation in the fall of 2025, and collaborated with the Edmonton Police Service, other Alberta partners and law enforcement agencies in British Columbia and Ontario.
Insp. Kevin McGillivray said the investigation began Halloween night, with reports of shots fired at a home in Spring Meadow Estates, a rural subdivision located next to Big Lake in Parkland County. On Nov. 6, 2025, there was another report of shots being fired at a house in that community. Police learned that the victims were targets of alleged extortion threats.
Singh’s vehicle was stopped by police in Red Deer in November, and a firearm was found. But Singh was released “pending further investigation.”
The firearm was seized by RCMP and sent to a lab for investigation, where it was linked to seven different shootings across Canada, but neither of the Parkland incidents.
McGillivray said the investigation led to the arrests of two other men in Edmonton “who, although part of the same crime group, are not directly related to the Parkland extortion shooting.” On Feb. 13, Edmonton Police and RCMP searched an Edmonton home and vehicle, which led to one of those two arrests.
“They’re all associated to one another.” said Rondeau. “The offences that they’re charged with are different, from separate occurrences. Yes, they are well known to one another, and it is one investigation that spread into other offences and locations.”
Rondeau said the rise in extortion rings targeting South Asian communities across Canada is a major worry for police.
“Obviously, our focus was here in Parkland County and investigating the events we were faced with,” said Rondeau. “But it’s definitely concerning. We know what’s happening across the country in other areas, so it’s definitely something that we’re alive to.”
Rondeau said a long gun seized in the search, and traced back to Ontario, is “consistent” with the Parkland incidents.
The smaller gun, seized in Red Deer and allegedly used in seven other shootings, came to Canada via the United States, said Rondeau.
Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec said there were concerns about how well the RCMP communicated with worried residents in the wake of the shootings. But he praised the police for making arrests and identifying another major suspect.
“These targeted attacks in the quiet hours, when many people were sleeping, startled and shocked our residents,” said Shaigec. “The response from the members of the Parkland detachment, which is located in the city of Spruce Grove, was swift. However, the perpetrators fled in a matter of minutes. But due to the excellent work of the officers, charges have been laid, and these charges are significant. They alleviate some of the concerns that our residents have regarding safety and security.”
Rondeau urged victims of extortion schemes to come to the police for help. But he understands the threat of harm keeps some from coming forward.
“It’s definitely a true fear,” said Rondeau. “I mean, they did nothing wrong, and their house gets shot up. I’d be pretty fearful as well, right? It’s one of those things where I really send a message of contacting your local authorities if there’s any extortion threats that are received.”
Jagdeep Singh faces two counts of extortion, two counts of discharge from a firearm with intent, eight firearms offences and two counts of disguise with intent.
Two other suspects are in custody.
Ravinder Singh, 25, a foreign national, faces two charges of discharging a firearm with intent and four other weapons offences.
Gurpreet Singh, 24, also a foreign national, faces a count of discharging a firearm with intent and two other weapons offences.
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