Extortion threats escalate into drive-by shooting; 3 charged, including youth

Two adults and one youth are facing charges in an extortion case that escalated into a drive‑by shooting at a home in northeast Calgary earlier this year.

Calgary police say the case began around 4:30 p.m. on March 25, when a woman started receiving WhatsApp messages demanding money.

The messages included detailed information about her personal life, business, and family, and the sender repeatedly attempted to contact her while making violent threats, according to police.

About 12 hours later, just before 4:30 a.m., shots were fired at the woman’s home in the community of Skyview Ranch and the suspects fled in a vehicle. Investigators later gathered evidence, including CCTV footage, that helped identify a suspect vehicle and several people believed to be involved.

On July 29, officers arrested a 17‑year‑old boy who allegedly facilitated communication between the victim and those issuing threats. He was charged with extortion and released. His identity cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

CPS Supt. Jeff Bell said the youth’s involvement reflects how vulnerable people can be drawn into criminal activity.

“There are vulnerable groups of people in society that can be targeted to do crimes that they would not normally do,” said Bell during a Friday morning news conference.

Employee accused of supplying victim’s personal information

Police arrested a second suspect on Sept. 8. Kanureet Kaur, 23, of Chestermere, is charged with extortion.

Police allege she provided personal information about the victim that helped others locate and intimidate her and her family. They say Kaur was employed by the victim, giving her access to the detailed information used in the threats.

Kaur has been released and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 6.

Police are also searching for Tanveer Singh, 21, of Calgary, who is wanted on a warrant for possession of stolen property over $5,000. Investigators say the stolen vehicle he is accused of possessing was used during the shooting.

Singh is described as 5’8”, about 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police have released photos of both Kaur and Singh.

Investigators warn that those charged may be known in the community by different names, and members of the public may have encountered them without realizing it. Police have compiled a list of suspects, along with their photos, in case residents recognize them.

Police say vulnerable newcomers being exploited

Bell said some people coming to Canada, often on education visas, may lack support networks and become vulnerable to exploitation, especially if they are financially struggling.

He urged anyone being pressured into criminal activity to seek help.

“If you’re truly wanting to stay in Canada, or to have that education, it’s probably not worth risking that,” he said. “Contact us, there are other avenues and you’re not alone in this.”

He added that Calgary police continue to work with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as part of the investigation.

Bell said investigators initially focused on suppressing violence and identifying shooters, which opened “bigger picture” avenues to dismantle the organized crime group behind the extortion attempts. He added that extortion incidents have decreased since late June, and violence has dropped since April of this year.

Since April 2025, Calgary has recorded 51 extortion‑related incidents, including 19 shootings targeting both victims and suspects. Nineteen people have been charged with 59 offences connected to the investigation.

Anyone with information about the extortion cases or those involved, including their associates, is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.