Extortion through WhatsApp: Calgary police charge youth, 2 other suspects

Calgary police released these photos of two suspects in connection with a recent extortion investigation in an attempt to prompt more public tips. Tanveer Singh (left) is wanted for possession of stolen property while Kanureet Kaur (right) has been arrested and charged with extortion. (Supplied/CPS)

Calgary police say two adults and a youth are facing charges in an extortion scheme that targeted a victim through a popular mobile text and video messenger.

At 4:30 p.m. on March 25, a woman began receiving unsolicited messages from an unknown sender on WhatsApp. Police say the message involved demands for money.

“The suspects used detailed knowledge of the victim’s personal and business affairs, including her full name, address, business information and information about her family members,” the Calgary Police Service (CPS) said in a Friday news release.

“The caller repeatedly attempted to contact the victim and made explicit threats of violence.”

Approximately 12 hours later, an unknown suspect fired a gun at the victim’s home before fleeing.

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Following an investigation, which included gathering and analyzing security footage from the area, the CPS identified a suspect vehicle along with several suspects.

On July 29, a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of facilitating communications between the victim and those making the threats.

He was charged with one count of extortion and has since been released from custody.

Kanureet Kaur, a 23-year-old Chestermere woman, is charged with one count of extortion and has also been released from custody. She is expected to appear in court on Oct. 6.

Third suspect sought

CPS says a third suspect in connection with this investigation is still being sought by investigators.

Tanveer Singh, 21, of Calgary, is wanted on warrant for possession of stolen property over $5,000.

He is described as 5’8” tall, approximately 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

CPS released photos of Kaur and Singh in an effort to advance other extortion-related investigations.

Officials say it’s likely both are known in the community by different names or members of the public may have encountered them under different circumstances.

“While these charges are an important step, this investigation is far from over. We continue to ask the public to help us identify everyone involved so we can hold offenders accountable for the fear and harm these crimes have caused,” said Supt. Jeff Bell with the CPS criminal operations and intelligence division.

Since April 2025, CPS says there have been 51 extortion-related incidents in Calgary. Nineteen shootings have been linked to the series, targeting both extortion victims and suspects.

Nineteen people have been charged with 59 offences in connection with Calgary extortion.

CPS is continuing to gather information about extortion attempts in the city. Anyone with information can contact police through the [e-mail] email address.

If you believe you are a victim of extortion, do not pay or follow any demands. Contact police immediately.