After extortion threats in Lower Mainland, Toronto, the Edmonton Police Service has also reported informing and asking the public to come forward to report extortion and assist in identifying a person of interest in a related arson series.
Police are investigating at least 18 incidents of extortion that have occurred in the Edmonton region since October.
“The suspects reportedly target members of the South Asian business community, using Whatsapp to text or call victims and demand large sums of money. In some cases, the suspects appear to have knowledge of the victim’s personal information, such as family members, vehicles and lifestyle patterns,” said Edmonton Police.
Failure to pay the extorted sum results in arson or other property damage to new home builds, show homes and related property. The suspects have also been known to make follow-up demands for higher sums of money, leading to an escalation of violence and drive-by shootings. No injuries have been reported as a result of shooting incidents.
The arsons are typically committed by a group of young adults and youth observed carrying jerry cans. Investigators recently released a picture of the male, who is a person of interest in a Dec. 29, 2023 arson in the Woodhaven Pointe area.
To date, six young males have been arrested for shooting and arson incidents that have been connected to the extortion series:
Parminder Singh, 20, was arrested for 12 firearms-related charges in an Oct. 19, 2023 incident where shots were fired at a residence in the Laurel area. Singh is currently in custody.
Hassan Dembil, 18, Manav Heer, 18, Ravinder Sandu, 19, and a youth were all charged with arson-related offences for a Dec. 19, 2023 residential fire in the Cy Becker community. All four suspects have since been released.
Arjun Sahnan, 19 was arrested on five firearms-related charges during a Dec. 30, 2023 vehicle stop that occurred in the area of 17 Street and 49 Avenue. He has since been released.
