Calgary extortion probe: Two charged after threatening Saddle Ridge business
Two men have been charged in a Calgary extortion probe after threats to a Saddle Ridge business; police say the arrests are tied to a wider series of violent demands targeting the city’s South Asian community.
Calgary Police Service charged Sandeep Singh, 30, and Amandeep Mallhi, 39, with extortion and possession of proceeds of crime following arrests on May 28. The charges are connected to a May 5 incident in which a northeast business owner received threats demanding money and alleging the owner and family would be shot if they did not comply. Four men were taken into custody and a search warrant was executed in the 0 to 100 block of Saddlestone Way N.E., officials said.
Alleged threats to a Saddle Ridge business
On May 5, investigators say a northeast Calgary business received a demand for cash accompanied by explicit threats to the owner and their associates. Police were notified immediately and opened an investigation that later became part of a broader organized-crime probe.
Officers located and detained four men on May 28, executing a search warrant at a residence in the Saddlestone Way area during the operation. Two of the men were formally charged; the status of the other two remains part of ongoing inquiries.
Charges laid and court appearance
Calgary Police confirmed that Singh and Mallhi face one count each of extortion and possession of proceeds of crime. Both were scheduled to appear in court on June 1 for the initial proceedings related to those charges.
Prosecutors will determine next steps following the court appearance, including disclosure requirements and any potential bail conditions. Police said additional charges may follow as the investigation continues to develop.
Scope of Organized Crime & Offender Management investigation
The case has been handled by the Calgary Police Service’s Organized Crime & Offender Management unit, which opened a related investigation in April 2025. Since that date, investigators have catalogued 46 extortion-related incidents and laid charges against 14 individuals in connection with 54 criminal offences.
Police reports show a troubling level of violence tied to these files: 19 of the incidents involved shootings at residences, businesses or vehicles. Investigators have described the pattern as a targeted campaign that has placed affected families and business owners at substantial risk.
Police response and inter-agency cooperation
Superintendent Jeff Bell, who oversees Criminal Operations and Intelligence, said the recent arrests reflect concentrated investigative work and coordination across units. He indicated the CPS is actively pursuing those responsible and attempting to disrupt the networks allegedly behind the extortion activity.
The Calgary Police Service is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and other law-enforcement partners to trace financial flows and cross-border links. Investigators have also executed search warrants and seized items believed to be tied to the offences as they build cases for prosecution.
Community impact and targeted victims
Officials have emphasized that many of the incidents disproportionately affected Calgary’s South Asian community, with businesses and homeowners reporting threats and intimidation. Local business operators in affected neighbourhoods have expressed heightened concern about personal safety and the security of their premises.
Police and community leaders have urged residents to report suspicious approaches or demands immediately, and to take measures to enhance safety while investigations continue. Authorities say supporting victims and witnesses to come forward is a priority to prevent further incidents.
Public appeals and how to report information
Calgary Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the CPS tip line at 403-266-1234. Anonymous information may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, which can help investigators obtain leads while protecting callers’ identities.
Investigators asked anyone who may have been approached with similar demands, or who observed suspicious activity in the Saddlestone Way N.E. area in early May, to come forward. Police said even small pieces of information can be crucial in building cases and preventing further harm.
The investigation into this series of extortion-related crimes remains active, and authorities said they expect further developments as files move toward prosecution and as partner agencies continue to provide investigative support.
