A young man involved in a violent Edmonton extortion ring targeting homebuilders is likely to be deported from Canada after serving a lengthy prison term, his defence lawyer stated following sentencing.
Longest Sentence in Project Gaslight Case
Parminder Singh, 22, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including extortion, discharging a firearm, and pointing a gun at an Edmonton Police Service officer.
Singh is the final member of the conspiracy known as Project Gaslight to enter a guilty plea. His sentence is the most severe handed down so far in the extensive criminal investigation.
A Spree of Threats and Arson
The case centred on a group of young men who prosecutors allege were working for a former Edmonton resident now living in the United Arab Emirates. Between October 2023 and February 2024, the group specifically threatened homebuilders within Edmonton's South Asian community, in some instances demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars.
During this five-month period, the criminals set fire to 12 show homes and attempted to burn two others. The arson attacks caused an estimated $10 million in damages.
Confrontation with Police
Singh's role stood out for its direct violence. He admitted to firing nine shots from a handgun at the residence of one builder who had recently received a threatening WhatsApp message. That builder and a neighbour had reported the threat to police.
A police sergeant was inside the home interviewing the victims when Singh opened fire from a moving SUV. The officer immediately pursued Singh in his unmarked vehicle and arrested him after a brief foot chase. Before running, Singh pointed the handgun directly at the officer.
Immigration Consequences Loom
Defence lawyer Brian Beresh told the court that Singh came to Canada with his family as a child. Beresh indicated that, based on advice from an immigration lawyer, Singh will likely face automatic deportation due to the serious nature of his crimes.
Beresh further suggested that, depending on the specific immigration program the family used, Singh's deportation could potentially lead to the entire family's removal from Canada. He clarified he is not an immigration law expert.
Court of King's Bench Justice John Henderson acknowledged the deportation risk as a significant "collateral consequence" of the conviction. While expressing some skepticism about the whole family's deportation, he stated, "I am told and I accept that if he's not a Canadian citizen the likelihood is he can be deported without a further hearing."
Justice Henderson imposed the sentence based on a joint submission from Beresh and Crown prosecutor Breena Smith.
The sentencing closes a major chapter in the Project Gaslight investigation, which exposed a coordinated campaign of fear against local businesses.
