October 3,2025
RED FM News Desk
An Edmonton teenager has received the maximum youth sentence for his role in the “Project Gaslight” extortion scheme, after a judge found he was one of the most active members of the criminal conspiracy.
The 18-year-old, who was 16 and 17 when the crimes occurred, was part of a group that targeted successful South Asian home builders in the Edmonton area, demanding large sums of money and setting fire to properties when their demands were ignored. Because of his age at the time of the offences, his identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
He pleaded guilty earlier this year to five charges, admitting that he sent threatening extortion messages, carried out arsons that damaged multiple homes, and attacked a security guard. The campaign of intimidation, which included threats, fires, and drive-by shootings, began in October 2023. Police made several arrests in July 2024.
On Friday, Justice Emem Madu accepted a joint Crown and defence recommendation for a three-year custody and supervision order—the maximum youth sentence. It includes two years in jail followed by one year under community conditions. With credit for time already served since January, the teen has about 16 months left in custody, though he may also have to serve his supervision term in jail.
“These were not one-off offences,” Madu said. “They continued over time, terrorizing the victims and the community. You committed the most arsons and contacted victims directly. Your moral blameworthiness is at the highest end.”
Other accused in the scheme include Manav Heer and Divnoor Asht, who have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, while two more men remain before the courts. Alleged ringleader Maninder Dhaliwal is the subject of an extradition request from the United Arab Emirates. Another suspect, Arjun Sahnan, was arrested at Edmonton airport last month after returning from India.
Madu called the young offender a “principal arsonist” responsible for extensive damage, but said the sentence also leaves him an opportunity to rebuild his life. “The path forward is yours to take,” she told him as he was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
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