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7 Indian-origin persons deported over extortion-related crimes
Surrey Police Service released photos and names of seven Indian-origin individuals allegedly linked to extortion and firearms incidents, with six sharing a Singh surname and several already removed from Canada by CBSA. The release prompted online xenophobic reactions, while authorities noted ongoing investigations and a separate arrest in an extortion case. A later update announced charges against Indo-Canadian suspect Jaskaran Saroye.
Why It Matters
Illustrates how police communications can influence public discourse and react to crime investigations, including the intersection of immigration enforcement and community perceptions.
Timeline
3 Events
May 7, 2026 – charges announced for Jaskaran Saroye
May 7, 2026
Surrey Police Service announced that 27-year-old Jaskaran Saroye had been charged with discharging a firearm into a place, knowing or being reckless as to whether someone was present. He was remanded in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing.
May 6, 2026 – SPS releases extortion-related suspect photos and info
May 6, 2026
Surrey Police Service released photos and identified seven Indian-origin individuals as being involved in extortion-related violence, with six sharing the last name Singh. The release noted that several of the individuals had already been removed from Canada by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The intention was to assist with ongoing investigations and to seek additional witnesses, victims, or associates. The post also triggered online xenophobic and anti-Indian reactions, including on X in Canada’s Today’s News section.
April 13, 2026 – Surrey police arrest in extortion-related case
April 13, 2026
Officers responded to reports of shots fired at a residence in Surrey, British Columbia. Surrey Police Service Extortion Response Team identified a suspect vehicle, obtained a search warrant, and with assistance from the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and other SPS units, arrested Jaskaran Saroye at a residence in Surrey as part of an extortion-related investigation.