Punjabi youth deported from Canada, named in ransom case

May 5, 2026

Amritsar: Police have released a photo of a Punjabi-born youth linked to a ransom ring operating in Surrey, Canada. Releasing the photo on May 4th, police identified the youth as Prabhjot Singh (20). Canadian police say the youth has been involved in ransomware.

He was previously arrested and has now been deported. Police said the purpose of releasing the photo is to gather more details about him. They are appealing to the public to inform them if they have information about his crimes.

Extortion cases on the rise in Surrey
Police reported that extortion incidents have increased sharply in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, particularly in Surrey, over the past few years. These include threats, shootings, home invasions, and violent incidents.

In many cases, young foreign nationals (arriving on student visas or other visas) have been found to be involved in these networks. In early 2026, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) learned that 20-year-old Prabhjot Singh was suspected of extortion-related criminal activities. Police acted immediately and arrested him.

Border Services Agency Deported
Following the arrest, the SPS passed the information to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA conducted an immigration investigation and determined Singh was ineligible to remain in Canada. He was subsequently deported from the country. On May 4, 2026, Surrey Police publicly released Prabhjot Singh’s police photo. Police stated that this action was taken to assist in the investigation.

Police Say: Extortion Task Force Breaking Up Network
The Surrey Police Service stated that this individual is believed to be connected to the ongoing extortion crisis in Surrey. Releasing the photos was important because they could provide crucial information in ongoing investigations. The SPS is working with the BC Provincial Extortion Task Force to dismantle these networks.