Extortion gang linked to Brampton shootings, conspiracy to commit murder charge laid

Police in Alberta have laid an extortion and a conspiracy to commit murder charge following shootings in Brampton linked to an organized crime ring.

The first of a pair of extortion-related shootings happened on April 21 shortly before 3 a.m. when a Brampton business was targeted, Peel Regional Police say.

Over a dozen shell casings were recovered at the scene, and police say a suspect was seen leaving the area in a silver Honda Civic.

Then on May 6, police say a man was exiting his residence when he was approached by a suspect who pointed a firearm at the victim. But the weapon “malfunctioned,” and police say the victim was able to escape without injury. The suspect was last seen fleeing in a grey Acura Integra, police say.

Over a month later on June 23, officers with the Edmonton Police Service pulled over a vehicle and said a 22-year-old male suspect was charged with firearms and drug-related offences after police found drugs and a loaded illegal firearm.

Now, Peel police say the suspect has also been charged with extortion and conspiracy to commit murder in connection to the Brampton shootings.

Safaldeep Singh, 22, has been arrested and charged with multiple offences, police say. The accused was denied bail and has been remanded into custody.

Peel Regional Police say Safaldeep Singh, 22, has been arrested and charged with multiple offences. (Photo: PRP)

The charges come as part of an investigation into the “For Brothers” gang – an outfit police said in May was behind a months-long campaign of intimidation, extortion, shootings and arson targeting business owners in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and British Columbia, with links extending to California.

Police say several businesses, including restaurants and trucking companies, were repeatedly targeted with violence after refusing to comply with extortion demands for money. In one case, investigators say two suspects carried out a shooting and arson at a home in Caledon before targeting a business in Brampton in a second shooting minutes later.

“We are sending a clear message that those who threaten the safety of our communities will be pursued and brought to justice,” Peel police Dep. Chief Nick Milinovich said in a release, thanking the Edmonton Police Service “for their assistance in this investigation.”

Anyone with information about these incidents or extortion-related crime in Mississauga and Brampton can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.