Calgary Man Found Guilty in Organized Kidnapping Case While Murder Charges Loom
A Calgary man facing serious murder charges has been convicted for his involvement in a separate, organized kidnapping-for-ransom scheme that unfolded in the city. Mohit Sandhu, 24, was found guilty on Tuesday by Justice Margaret Keelaghan at the Calgary Courts Centre for his central role in orchestrating the criminal abduction.
Details of the Kidnapping Conviction
Justice Keelaghan convicted Sandhu on charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and robbery with a firearm related to a July 4, 2023 incident. The court heard that Richmond, B.C. resident Hamza Yassin was kidnapped from a Calgary Airbnb and held for ransom in what prosecutors described as an organized crime operation.
The evidence presented showed that Sandhu, using the alias "Batman," communicated with individuals who carried out the actual kidnapping. According to court documents, he instructed them to restrain Yassin using duct tape or zip ties during the abduction.
Crown prosecutor Donna Spaner successfully argued that Sandhu conspired with others to kidnap Yassin for a cash ransom. The court also determined that Sandhu transferred $50,000 in ransom money to the trust account of one of his lawyers, Brian Beresh.
Connection to Drug Loss and Organized Crime
Prosecutors revealed that the kidnapping stemmed from the loss of approximately $250,000 worth of drugs and contraband in Whitehorse. Sandhu was accused of orchestrating Yassin's abduction in retaliation for this significant financial loss within criminal networks.
While convicted of robbery with a firearm, Sandhu was acquitted of extortion with a firearm charges related to the same incident. Despite these convictions, the legal proceedings continue as Sandhu's lawyer, Kristofer Advent, has filed an application alleging an abuse of process and seeking a stay of charges.
Separate Murder Charges Still Pending
Concurrently, Sandhu faces even more serious allegations in a separate case. He is currently before a different Court of Justice judge facing a preliminary inquiry on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
These charges relate to the death of Chestermere resident Sahil Grewal, who died three days after consuming fentanyl-laced cough syrup on April 3, 2020. Sandhu is also accused of the attempted murder of Jaskaran Sidhu.
Interestingly, Sidhu was later charged and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the ambush of two men outside a northeast Calgary lounge on April 3, 2019—exactly one year before the alleged attempt on his own life.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Custody Status
The preliminary inquiry before Justice Brandy Shaw regarding the murder charges is expected to conclude on Wednesday. Sandhu remains in custody pending resolution of both his kidnapping conviction and the ongoing murder case proceedings.
This complex legal situation highlights the intersection of multiple serious criminal allegations against one individual within Calgary's justice system. The convictions in the kidnapping case represent a significant development while the more serious murder charges continue through the preliminary inquiry phase.
