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From 'Punjabi Devils' to prison: Indian-origin gang founder jailed in US

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 14 May 2026, 10:14 pm Print

From 'Punjabi Devils' to prison: Indian-origin gang founder jailed in US

Firearms (including machine guns and a short-barreled rifle), firearms parts (including a silencer and high-capacity drum magazines), and other items seized from Singh’s vehicle and residence on June 6, 2025. Photo: US Department of Justice/website

An Indian-origin man who founded the outlaw motorcycle gang “Punjabi Devils” has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for unlawful dealing of firearms and illegal possession of a machine gun in the United States.

Jashanpreet Singh, 27, was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd.

According to court documents, Singh founded the Stockton-based “Punjabi Devils” Motorcycle Club, an outlaw biker gang associated with the Hells Angels.

On June 6, 2025, Singh attempted to sell multiple weapons to an undercover officer, including a short-barrelled rifle, three assault weapons, three machine-gun conversion devices, and a revolver.

A subsequent search of Singh’s residence led to the discovery of additional firearms, including a machine gun, another machine-gun conversion device, and a silencer.

Officers also recovered a pineapple-style capped and fused hand grenade, along with what authorities believed to be a military electronic-capped claymore mine. The Explosives Ordnance Detail bomb squad of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department safely destroyed the explosive devices at the scene.

Singh initially faced state charges in San Joaquin County related to the offences. However, on July 21, 2025, he failed to appear in court, prompting the state court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

Two days later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received an alert from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that Singh had booked a flight to India and was scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025.

Authorities arrested Singh at the airport before he could flee the country. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest, according to a statement issued by the United States Department of Justice.

What is Operation Take Back America?

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to deploy federal resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organisations, and protect communities from violent crime offenders.

The operation is aimed at strengthening border security, eliminating organised criminal networks, and enhancing public safety through coordinated law enforcement action across the United States.