Two Men Charged in Surrey Arson Linked to Extortion Probe

Arson Charges Filed in Surrey Amid Growing Extortion Probe

Two suspects have been charged in connection with a Surrey arson case now under investigation by B.C.’s extortion task force.

According to RCMP, Harmanjot Brar, 25, and Hardilpreet Singh, 23, each face charges of arson and possession of stolen property. The charges stem from a vehicle fire reported early Sunday, Oct. 5, in Surrey’s Newton area.

Swift Police Response Leads to Arrests

Around 5 a.m., officers from the Surrey Provincial Operational Support Unit (SPOSU) responded to reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames near the 15000-block of 81B Avenue. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in another vehicle.

Investigators say quick coordination between Surrey Police Service, SPOSU, and the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) helped identify a residence connected to the suspects shortly after the incident.

With support from the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Service, officers moved in on the home, detaining several people. They were later identified and released pending further investigation.

Task Force Takes Command of Investigation

The case has now been handed to the provincial Joint Extortion Task Force, formed to combat the rising number of extortion-related crimes across British Columbia. The task force works closely with partner agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency.

Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, assistant district commander for the Lower Mainland, praised the multi-agency effort. “The collaborative and coordinated work of the JFO, SPOSU, SPS, IPDS, and IERT directly led to locating, arresting, and charging these two men,” Pound said.

He added that police continue to urge anyone affected by extortion or possessing relevant information to contact local authorities immediately.

Joint Forces Strengthen Province-Wide Response

The extortion task force includes officers from multiple agencies: the B.C. RCMP, Abbotsford Police Department, Surrey Police Service, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – B.C. (CFSEU-BC), Delta Police, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and CBSA.

Their collective goal is clear — to stop the growing wave of violence and intimidation tied to extortion attempts targeting local communities across the province.