Edmonton Extortionist Sentenced to 7 Years in Project Gaslight Scheme

UPDATE: A major breakthrough in the ongoing Project Gaslight investigation as Gurkaran Singh, aged 20, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a violent extortion scheme targeting South Asian homebuilders in Edmonton. Singh’s plea on Friday marks the longest sentence thus far in this alarming case, which has left the local business community shaken.

The court revealed that Singh’s criminal activities began in October 2023, when a series of violent acts, including extortion, arson, and drive-by shootings, were orchestrated against several development companies. The rampant criminal conspiracy saw home builders receiving threats demanding payments amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, leading to devastating property damage estimated at around $10 million.

Singh, identified as a “middle manager” within the criminal organization, was involved in directing an “arson team” known as GK Inc. Reports indicate that he took orders from the alleged ringleader, Maninder Dhaliwal, who is currently fighting an extradition request to return to Canada from Dubai. The scheme intensified with several homes being torched, and one developer even experienced two drive-by shootings while his family was asleep inside.

The emotional toll on the community has been significant, with many builders hiring private security or fleeing the country due to safety concerns. One impacted developer described how he was forced to install steel plates on his home’s windows after repeated threats.

In court, Singh expressed remorse, stating, “I don’t want to be this person anymore. I want to change that and be the son that my parents want me to be.” His attorney cited peer pressure and the allure of quick money as significant factors in Singh’s descent into crime.

The extent of the criminal operation was underscored by evidence gathered through wiretaps, text messages, and recorded calls, which revealed Singh’s motivations primarily rooted in greed and the desire for status. He admitted to collecting over $100,000 for Dhaliwal while expressing frustration at earning only $13,000 for his own efforts.

Crown prosecutor Breena Smith emphasized the seriousness of Singh’s actions, and Justice Melanie Hayes-Richards cautioned that had he faced trial, the sentence could have been much harsher. “These are incredibly serious offenses… I truly hope I never see you again,” she warned.

With approximately 15 months of time served, Singh has just over five years left in his sentence. The case is ongoing, with further developments expected as authorities continue to address the ramifications of Project Gaslight and its impact on Edmonton’s South Asian business community.

This urgent development in the Project Gaslight saga serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by organized crime and the profound effects on innocent lives. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.