Man charged in Project Gaslight extortions granted day parole

Parole Board of Canada letterhead is seen on a Government of Canada document in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

A man charged in a series of extortions in 2024 targeting local South Asian homebuilders has been granted day parole.

A decision from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) dated May 20 granted Divnoor Asht day parole to a community-based residential facility for a period of six months depending on bed availability.

Edmonton police investigated 40 incidents between late 2023 and summer of 2024 including fires, arson attempts and shootings related to Project Gaslight.

Police arrested six people in relation to Project Gaslight in 2024. The group, along with suspected leader Maninder Dhaliwal, faced a total of 54 charges.

The now 20-year-old Asht was sentenced to three years and three months for extortion, arson, damage to property and conspiring to commit an indictable offence.

PBC said actuarial risk assessment tools found Asht to be at low risk of re-offending.

“Since your institutional charges, you have been able to demonstrate stability with no reported concerns,” said the decision.

Asht was given several conditions, including a curfew and employment requirements. He must also not pursue contact with the victims or anyone associated with criminal activity.