Calgary man charged in connection with extortion-related shootings

Police have charged a 21-year-old man as they continue to investigate a series of extortion related-shootings.

A 21-year-old Calgary man has been charged in connection with an extortion investigation by police.

On Saturday, March 7 at around 9:30 a.m., police say officers saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the 7000 block of Falconridge Blvd. N.E., prompting them to initiate a traffic stop.

They say they recognized that the vehicle matched the description of a suspect vehicle believed to have been involved in a March 4 shooting in the 8000 block of Saddleridge Dr. N.E. that they say was extortion-related.

After coordinating with officers investigating the March 4 incident, police seized the vehicle.

Officers say that an investigation was able to corroborate a connection between the vehicle and extortion-related shootings that led to the man’s arrest.

Police say no one has been injured in any of the incidents in Calgary, despite the level of violence reported.

Since January 2025, investigators have recorded 41 extortion attempts in the city with 18 incidents involving shootings at homes, businesses or vehicles.

Jaskaran Singh, 21, was charged with discharging a firearm with intent.

“This is a significant win for our investigators and for the community,” said Supt. Jeff Bell, in a media release. “Another arrest this week underscores our message that this does not belong in our city, and those responsible should understand that we will pursue them relentlessly, using all legal avenues to ensure public safety, stop the threat, and hold offenders accountable.”

On Wednesday, Rana Cheema, 45, of Calgary, was charged with extortion and uttering threats.

Police say between March 4 and 22, there was “a series of escalating incidents,” including a shooting and reports of property damage and suspicious activity at multiple daycare facilities outside Calgary.

Investigators believe all the incidents were connected to ongoing extortion attempts.

Police say the accused was trying to acquire large sums of money and control of the businesses.

Officials do not believe any children were at risk of being harmed but, given the locations involved, officials treated these threats very seriously.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.

With files from CTV News’ Kathy Le and Michael Franklin