The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges against two individuals involved in extortion-related crimes in Surrey.
Joint Force Operation (JFO) revealed that Harmanjot Brar, 25, and Hardilpreet Singh, 23, are facing charges of arson and possession of stolen property.
In the early hours of Sunday, authorities in Surrey were alerted to a vehicle on fire near the 81B Avenue vicinity.
The suspects quickly left the scene in a vehicle, according to officers.
Despite their escape, law enforcement managed to pinpoint a linked residence and vehicle shortly after, leading to the apprehension of multiple individuals.
“The suspects have been identified and are currently released pending further inquiry,” stated the JFO.
Officers remain present at the location as investigations continue.
A search warrant has been requested as part of the ongoing process.
Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound credited the combined efforts of the JFO, Surrey Provincial Operational Support Unit (SPOSU), SPS, Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), and Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT) for the successful location, arrest, and charging of the two suspects.
This development signifies law enforcement’s commitment to combating the rising number of extortion threats.
On Monday, BC RCMP Media Relations Officer Vanessa Munn disclosed the “initial charges linked to ongoing extortion investigations due to the efforts of the task force and JFO.”
Since Monday, a total of 11 charges have been laid against seven individuals as a result of three distinct investigations conducted by the Surrey Police Service and the BC RCMP.
Extortion offenses have been increasingly impacting the South Asian community in Surrey since February 2024, with the majority of incidents reported in the province.
“2025 has witnessed 56 documented cases of extortion and 31 associated incidents of shots fired,” revealed SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
To enhance the coordinated response to extortion threats, the B.C. government has introduced a provincial task force involving various law enforcement agencies.