Charge laid in extortion-related shooting at Surrey, B.C., mansion

Police investigate shots fired at a mansion in South Surrey on Saturday, Nov. 8. The home was targeted a second time on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

A charge has been laid against a 21-year-old man for his alleged involvement in a shooting at a South Surrey mansion that has been targeted twice by extortion-related gunfire, the B.C. Extortion Task Force announced Monday.

Avtar Singh has been charged with one count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in relation to the Nov. 12 incident when shots were fired at the home in the 17000 block of 32 Avenue.

Mounties said their investigation into the shooting involved “one primary victim and several incidents related to them,” and that while one suspect has been charged the investigation is ongoing.

The same home was also shot at on Nov. 8 and a worker was injured by a shattered window.

Singh was arrested on Friday and his next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10.

“The B.C. Extortion Task Force has been working hard to advance investigations and secure charges,” B.C. RCMP Asst. Comm. John Brewer said, in a statement.

“While this charge approval signifies a strong step forward, please know that we are not done. Through our evidence-based investigations and strategic, intelligence-led operations we are committed to pursuing those who commit violent acts and are involved in extortions to hold them accountable.”

The RCMP’s Extortion Task Force was formed in September in an effort to catch those responsible for a rash of attacks on South Asian-owned homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland, primarily in Surrey. In that city, there have been more than 100 reported incidents related to extortion and over 40 involving gunfire this year, according to the Surrey Police Service.

The Canada Border Services Agency has launched investigations into 96 foreign nationals who “may be inadmissible” and removed five of them from the country in connection with extortion cases.