The new Extortion Task Force and a  joint police investigation has led to the arrest of two Indian men from Surrey who are now facing arson and theft charges. Joint Force Operation (JFO) assumes conduct of an investigation which led to 25-year-old, Harmanjot Brar and 23-year-old Hardilpreet Singh being charged over the weekend. The BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Brar and Singh. They have each been charged with arson and possession of stolen property in relation to alleged incidents that occurred October 5 in Surrey, BC.  

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – The new Extortion Task Force and a  joint police investigation has led to the arrest of two Indian men from Surrey who are now facing arson and theft charges.

Joint Force Operation (JFO) assumes conduct of an investigation which led to 25-year-old, Harmanjot Brar and 23-year-old Hardilpreet Singh being charged over the weekend.  

On October 5 at approximately 5:00 a.m., the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operational Support Unit (SPOSU) responded to the report of an arson to a vehicle in the 15000-block of 81B Avenue. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle.   

Based on the initial investigative steps, timely coordination and information sharing between frontline officers from SPOSU, Surrey Police Service (SPS) and the JFO, an associated residence and vehicle were identified.  

Along with frontline officers, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT) and Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), attended the area and assisted with taking multiple other people associated to the residence into custody. The people were identified and have since been released pending further investigation.  

The JFO has assumed conduct of the investigation given potential links to other ongoing investigations. As part of the ongoing investigation, the residence was secured and a search warrant was sought. Investigators continue to work closely with all JFO partner agencies, including Canada Border Services Agency.    

The BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Harmanjot Brar and Hardilpreet Singh. They have each been charged with arson and possession of stolen property in relation to alleged incidents that occurred October 5 in Surrey, BC.  

“The collaborative and coordinated efforts of the JFO, SPOSU, SPS, IPDS, and IERT can be directly attributed to locating, arresting and charging these two men,” says Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, Lower Mainland Assistant District Commander. “We continue to encourage anyone who has been the victim of extortion or has information to contact their local police.” 

The extortion task force consists of members drawn from various policing agencies, including the B.C. RCMP, Abbotsford Police Department, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – B.C. (CFSEU-BC), Delta Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Surrey Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).