New Delhi: A federal court in California has sentenced the Indian-origin founder of a motorcycle club ‘Punjabi Devils’ to five years and four months in prison. Jashanpreet Singh, 27, has been accused of dealing in illegal firearms and possessing a machine gun, a statement released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
Singh has been in federal custody in California since 26 July 2025 when was trying to escape on a flight to India. On 2 February 2026, Singh, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawfully dealing in firearms and possessing a machine gun.
According to court documents, Jashanpreet Singh was the founder of the ‘Punjabi Devils’, a motorcycle gang based in Stockton, California, whose members were often seen sporting black leather vests bearing the legend ‘Punjabi Devils’ and ‘Nor-Cal’.
The club was founded along the lines of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC), an international organisation often classified by law enforcement agencies as an outlaw motorcycle gang involved in organised crime. While members describe themselves as motorcycle enthusiasts, they are frequently linked to drug trafficking, violent crimes, extortion, and illegal firearms deals.
On 6 June 2025, Singh had attempted to sell several weapons to an undercover officer, including a short-barreled rifle, three assault weapons, three machine gun conversion devices, and a revolver.
