Langley Mounties worked with the FBI on a case that has seen a California man charged with threatening to murder a local resident almost two years ago.
The local went to police on May 27, 2024, to report the threats, with the calls coming from an unknown number, said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom, spokesperson for the Langley RCMP.
The Langley RCMP Investigative Services Section took on the case and over several months, managed to identify a suspect, whom they determined was living in Fresno, Calif.
Investigators here began working with an RCMP liaison officer in San Francisco and the FBI to gather further investigation.
The FBI began charge approvals against Jasmeet Singh as a result of the investigation, said Sharoom.
An FBI affidavit filed in U.S. courts gives more details, and alleges that the incident is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, a notorious criminal organization that is thought to be behind many incidents of threats and extortion in B.C. in recent years.
According to the FBI affidavit filed by Special Agent Brian Toy, the victim’s troubles began while living in Indian in 2022. Two allegedly attempted to extort the equivalent of US$239,000 from the victim by threatening to make false rape allegations against them.
He refused and instead called the Indian police and reported the incident. Indian police asked him to meet with the blackmailers, who were then arrested.
The victim fled further threats in India by moving to Canada in early 2024
On May 27, the two alleged blackmailers in India were charged. The same day, Singh allegedly sent a photo through WhatsApp to the victim, showing a picture of his vehicle, and one minute later sent a voice message.
“Look, that’s your car, right?” the message began, and after profane insults, it said “no matter where you live, you’re going to die anyways. If we don’t kill you today, we’ll kill you in a week, get yourself ready.”
It also threatened the victim’s parents, and mocked the victim for reporting threats. “You act like you’re all about the police, let’s see if the police can save you, if they can.”
The FBI affidavit includes details of several other calls and messages allegedly sent by Singh to the victim.
The Langley RCMP’s head praised the work of his officers and their partners in bringing charges.
“This outcome is a direct result of the dedication, professionalism, and outstanding efforts of the Langley RCMP’s Investigative Services Section, the RCMP Liaison Officer program and our key partners in the United States,” said Supt. Harm Dosange, the officer in charge of the Langley RCMP detachment. “Their seamless cross-border collaboration was essential to this success.”
Singh is being held in custody in the U.S. and was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Dec. 18. If convicted, Singh could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
People charged with a criminal offense are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.