Police in Surrey have released photos of the two men charged with firearm-related offences in hopes of furthering the “ongoing police investigation.” Harshdeep Singh, 20, and Hanspreet Singh, 21, have been charged with “occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.” Harshdeep is also charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. Surrey Police officers, part of Project Assurance, were proactively patrolling areas targeted by extortion at around 3:50 a.m. Monday morning, when they heard gunshots. Police located Singh’s vehicle, and he and a passenger were taken into custody. Police found a loaded handgun during the arrests.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca if you wish to remain anonymous. Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum is calling on the police to make releasing photos of those charged with extortion-related offences the standard. “The community deserves to know who is involved,” McCallum said. “Extortion thrives in the shadows. The faster photos are released, the faster people can recognize suspects, come forward, and help police dismantle these networks.”
As of Tuesday (Jan. 27), police have not confirmed if there was a shooting on Monday (Jan. 26) or if it was extortion-related, as no victim has come forward. “Photos will be considered for release on a case-by-case basis and based on the legal necessity to seek assistance from the public with police investigations,” noted a Surrey Police news release Wednesday (Jan. 28). “The disclosure of these photos in this case is a consistent use disclosure under sections 33(2)(d) and 34 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act whereby police can disclose photos of arrested persons if the disclosure is necessary to further a police investigation into a current crime, or series of crimes, and to seek the public’s assistance for witnesses and victims who may have information.” Harshdeep and Hanspreet remain in custody until their next court appearance on Jan. 30. Surrey Police is in contact with the Canada Border Services Agency, as both are foreign nationals.
