'Core members' of Edmonton extortion series arrested but leader still at large: EPS

EPS Chief Dale McFee at a press conference on Project Gaslight in Edmonton on July 26, 2024. (Nav Sangha)

Edmonton police have arrested six more people in connection to an extortion series targeting local South Asian homebuilders.

Police say they are now investigating 40 incidents – including fires, arson attempts and shootings – related to the series, known as Project Gaslight.

That includes an arson at an apartment building on Friday morning in Cavanagh.

On Thursday, officers arrested and charged one woman, four men and one boy believed to be connected to the crimes:

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Maninder Dhaliwal, 34, who police believe is the leader of the criminal organization responsible for the extortions.

The group, including Dhaliwal, is facing a total of 54 charges.

“This was likely one of the largest investigations in the history of the EPS, resulting in substantial charges for all accused,” acting Ins. David Paton, with the organized crime branch, said in a press release.

“We believe that the individuals identified today represent the core members of this criminal network; however, we know Dhaliwal is actively recruiting other young people."

EPS is working with RCMP and international police to track down Dhaliwal, who investigators believe has been organizing the extortions from overseas – offering to pay young people to carry out the crimes locally.

"We've got to stop them from recruiting our youth, because it's destroying our community," EPS Chief Dale McFee said.

"The message is: We're going to find you, we're going to hold you accountable. And if this is what you choose to do, it's not going to end well for you."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at [e-mail] or 780-391-4279.

Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.

Earlier this year, police had connected 34 incidents to the case, and six people were charged. That includes a 19-year-old man who was sentenced to nine months in jail.

Four others were arrested but not charged.

As of Friday, charges had been laid in 26 of the 40 reported incidents.