December 10, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
A 21-year-old man charged in connection with a shooting at a South Surrey mansion, part of the broader extortion investigations gripping the region, appeared in court today and stated his desire to “return to India”.
Avtar Singh, who was arrested last week by the B.C. Extortion Task Force, faces charges related to the unlawful discharge of a firearm. Singh appeared in the Surrey Provincial court via video conference for his bail hearing, which was subsequently adjourned to December 12.
The crown submitted in the court that “this is a serious allegation of discharging a firearm into a place intentionally. There is significant primary tertiary ground concerns.”
During the hearing, Singh reportedly addressed the judge through an interpreter, expressing his wish to return to India and inquiring about the process for doing so. He said, “I want to go back to India, and I want to know the process.”
The judge advised Singh that he should not talk about this in the court and that he should consult with his lawyer.
This exchange highlights a troubling aspect of the ongoing extortion crisis, some of the accused, particularly foreign nationals, may have been led to believe they could leave Canada and avoid prosecution or legal consequences for their crimes. The judge’s response made it clear that criminal proceedings must be dealt with through the justice system first.
The charges against Singh stem from an incident on November 12, where shots were fired at a residence in the 17000 block of 32 Avenue. The mansion was targeted twice by gunfire within a single week in November. The first shooting on November 8 resulted in injuries to an individual who was working at the home.
While a suspect has now been charged in this specific case, the RCMP confirms that the overall, widespread investigation into organized crime and extortion continues.
The Surrey Police Service reports that 106 extortion files have been recorded in the city this year, with 44 of those cases linked directly to shootings.
In parallel efforts, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is investigating 95 foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to Canada due to their alleged involvement in extortion schemes. Five of these individuals have already been deported.
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