Firearms – California Court Sentences Punjabi Biker Club Founder in Arms Case
Firearms – A California federal court has handed a prison sentence of five years and four months to 27-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, a Punjab-born resident accused of running an unlawful firearms operation in the United States. Singh, who founded the Stockton-based Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club, was convicted on charges linked to illegal gun sales and possession of a machine gun.
Federal Court Delivers Sentence
The sentence was announced after proceedings before US District Judge Dale A. Drozd in Sacramento on May 12. According to officials from the US Department of Justice, Singh had already admitted guilt earlier this year to two federal offences involving unlawful firearms dealing and illegal possession of a machine gun.
Investigators stated that the case became more serious after authorities discovered Singh allegedly attempting to leave the country while legal action was underway. He was detained at San Francisco International Airport on June 26 last year before boarding a flight to India. Court records further showed that he later failed to appear in San Joaquin County court proceedings, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant.
Undercover Operation Exposed Weapons Deal
Federal prosecutors revealed that Singh came under investigation after attempting to sell multiple weapons to an undercover law enforcement officer in June last year. Officials said the transaction involved several dangerous firearms and prohibited devices.
The cache reportedly included a short-barrel rifle, three assault-style firearms, a revolver, and multiple machine gun conversion devices. Authorities consider such equipment highly restricted under federal law because of its capability to significantly increase firing capacity.
Additional Arms and Explosive Materials Seized
During a subsequent search operation at Singh’s residence, investigators recovered more firearms along with other prohibited materials. Law enforcement agencies reported finding a fully operational machine gun, silencers, high-capacity drum magazines, and explosive-related components.
Among the seized items were a pineapple-style grenade and parts believed to resemble components used in a military-grade Claymore-type explosive device. Due to safety concerns, bomb disposal teams later destroyed the recovered explosives and hazardous materials.
Officials said the investigation involved coordinated efforts from several federal and local agencies, including the FBI Sacramento Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the DEA, Homeland Security investigators, and regional police departments.
Motorcycle Club Came Under Federal Scrutiny
Authorities identified the Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club as an outlaw biker organisation allegedly associated with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. Investigators described it as a support group connected to the larger biker network operating in Northern California.
The club was reportedly established by Singh last year and featured symbols highlighting Punjabi heritage. Members were known to wear black leather vests carrying the words “Punjabi Devils” and “NOR-CAL,” along with patches displaying the map of Punjab and a turbaned skull design.
Federal agencies have not disclosed the exact number of active members linked to the group, but officials said the organisation remained under scrutiny during the wider investigation into firearms-related offences.
Part of Larger Federal Crime Initiative
The prosecution formed part of Operation Take Back America, a broader initiative launched by the US Department of Justice to target organised criminal activity, illegal firearms distribution, and violent offenders across the country.
US Attorney Eric Grant confirmed the sentencing outcome, stating that Singh’s conviction related specifically to unlawful firearms dealing and possession of a machine gun. Authorities maintained that the coordinated investigation prevented potentially dangerous weapons and explosive materials from remaining in circulation.
The case has drawn attention within law enforcement circles because of the combination of illegal firearms, explosive devices, and alleged gang-related connections uncovered during the investigation.