Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) records obtained by CBC News reveal that 25-year-old Ravinder Singh belongs to the gang Hood 420, which authorities claim is directly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi or uses his name to carry out threats across multiple provinces. The documents identify Singh as a suspect in a shooting and extortion campaign targeting Radio Swift 1200 AM in Surrey, B.C., on September 29, 2025, alongside organizing roles in Ontario extortion cases that led to more than 100 charges against 17 men.
Extortion Campaigns Across Multiple Provinces
Ravinder Singh’s detention and admissibility hearings have exposed details regarding major extortion investigations spanning Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. An Ontario Provincial Police intelligence analyst testified that Singh first drew police attention in the fall of 2025 following shootings at residences and businesses in Caledon and Brampton, Ontario, where victims received extortion demands claiming affiliation with the Bishnoi gang. Investigators determined Singh used the alias “Coach” and sent locations and instructions via WhatsApp that aligned with actual shooting events.
According to RCMP Const. Mohamed El Krich, the primary investigator for the Alberta shootings, Ravinder Singh’s phone contained an extortion script matching the threat sent to Swift 1200 AM. That note, issued in the names of Lawrence Bishnoi and gang leader Goldy Dhillon, demanded five million dollars and threatened harm. Authorities also discovered evidence that Singh searched victims’ addresses and provided shooters with directions on positioning and license plate changes.
Did You Know?
Although the number 420 is commonly associated with marijuana in Canada, police testimony indicates it carries a distinct meaning in Indian criminal subculture as a reference to Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code concerning cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Detention and Inmate Escapes
The IRB issued a deportation order for organized criminality against Ravinder Singh in July after connecting him to cross-country shootings. Documents from the hearings also highlight the November 2025 escape of Singh’s alleged accomplice, Jagdeep Singh. The 24-year-old escaped from Calgary’s Rockyview Hospital while undergoing a medical assessment under the watch of contracted Canada Border Services Agency guards. Transcripts indicate Jagdeep Singh complained of substance abuse withdrawal symptoms to slip away.
Ravinder Singh subsequently displayed similar withdrawal symptoms following his arrest in February, telling CBSA officers he used black tar heroin or opium daily. A Ministry of Public Safety lawyer noted the hospital transport mirrored the exact scenario that allowed Jagdeep Singh to escape. While the CBSA stated it uses contracted guards for 24-hour custody and transport, the agency confirmed it is conducting a full review of the escape.
Pending Charges and Deportation Discussions
Ravinder Singh faces weapons offences in Alberta and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of discharging a firearm for the Ontario cases, though he has never been formally charged in the Swift 1200 AM radio station shooting. IRB documents indicate that representatives of the Ministry of Public Safety and the Crown have discussed staying criminal charges against Singh to facilitate his removal from Canada, though a CBSA spokesperson maintained the charges remain outstanding.
During his immigration proceedings, Singh represented himself and declined to respond to the substantive allegations, telling the tribunal that his father back home was very sick and that he wanted to return as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Swift 1200 AM host Jinny Sims expressed strong support for his swift removal, noting that fear pervades the South Asian community and that prompt deportations prevent suspects from recruiting others while awaiting trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hood 420? Hood 420 is a gang that authorities claim is either directly linked to imprisoned gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi or uses his name to carry out extortion threats across multiple Canadian provinces.
What specific attacks is Ravinder Singh linked to? IRB documents and police testimony connect Singh to a September 29, 2025, shooting at Radio Swift 1200 AM in Surrey, B.C., as well as extortion shootings in Caledon and Brampton, Ontario, and Parkland, Alberta.
Has Ravinder Singh been convicted or charged? Singh faces weapons offences in Alberta and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of discharging a firearm regarding the Ontario cases, while the IRB issued a deportation order against him for organized criminality in July.
How does the community view the ongoing extortion investigations? Radio host Jinny Sims stated that while reported incidents have slowed, the South Asian community remains deeply fearful and desires more frequent updates and visible action from law enforcement and border agencies.
How can members of the public assist law enforcement in combating these extortion rings?
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