An Immigration and Refugee Board hearing in Canada heard testimony from Jashandeep Singh, an alleged member or associate of a cross-country extortion network linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Singh is facing potential deportation for alleged organised criminality and told the tribunal he was an “innocent victim of circumstance” who did not realise the seriousness of his friend’s actions.He is accused of being connected indirectly to a firearm later linked by police to shootings in Edmonton and Surrey, British Columbia.Singh said he first encountered the gun when a visiting friend, Arshdeep Singh, brought it to his shared home in Edmonton.

He testified that he believed the firearm could have been a replica and claimed he handled it jokingly, including placing it against another roommate’s head while watching films.He also said he later travelled with Arshdeep Singh when the weapon was allegedly fired into the air.

Edmonton police, who are investigating extortion-related violence under Project Garter (also known as Project Al-Extortion), believe Arshdeep Singh was a mid-level participant in a broader criminal network.Officers reportedly matched shell casings from social media footage of gunfire to ammunition used in a separate extortion-linked incident in Surrey.

The tribunal also heard allegations that Singh disposed of the firearm by handing it to a female acquaintance, though he denied this, saying he instead gave her personal documents out of fear during a police raid.

Prosecutors cited inconsistencies in his statements to border officials, while Singh insisted he eventually told the truth and had no intent to harm public safety.Evidence presented also referenced a letter allegedly sent by the Bishnoi gang claiming widespread influence in Canada.The case remains under review, with final submissions pending before a decision is made on Singh’s admissibility and potential removal from Canada.