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Police say alleged ringleader in Edmonton extortions arrested in United Arab Emirates

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Police say they’re looking to extradite the alleged ringleader in a series of extortions targeting Edmonton’s South Asian community.

They say 35-year-old Maninder Singh Dhaliwal was arrested late last year in the United Arab Emirates and they’re looking to have him extradited to Alberta.

Six others were arrested in Edmonton in July.

The accused face a total of 54 charges, including extortion, arson and ones linked to committing an offence on behalf of a criminal organization.

Police say Dhaliwal’s arrest and impending extradition wraps up their investigation into the extortion series known as Project Gaslight.

Officers investigated 40 incidents with the project and say no new ones have been reported since July.

“This outcome shows criminals that international borders will not protect them, and we will not tolerate this kind of violence in our community, no matter where it originates from,” Insp. Duane Hunter said Tuesday in a statement.