An Indian-origin man accused of founding an outlaw motorcycle gang called the “Punjabi Devils” has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for illegal firearms trafficking and possession of prohibited weapons in the United States. Jashanpreet Singh, a 27-year-old resident of Lodi, California, was handed a prison sentence of five years and four months by US District Judge Dale Drozd earlier this week. The sentencing was confirmed by US Attorney Eric Grant on Thursday.

According to court documents, Singh founded the Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club, a Stockton-based biker gang allegedly linked to the Hells Angels. Prosecutors said the case emerged after Singh attempted to sell multiple illegal weapons to an undercover officer in June last year. Authorities alleged the weapons included a short-barrelled rifle, three assault weapons, three machine gun conversion devices, and a revolver, all of which are heavily regulated under US federal law.

Investigators later conducted a search of Singh’s residence and reportedly uncovered additional firearms and explosive devices. Officials said officers recovered a machine gun, another machine gun conversion device, and a silencer from the property. Law enforcement personnel also discovered a pineapple-style hand grenade and what they believed to be a military-grade claymore mine fitted with an electronic cap. Due to safety concerns, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad was called to the scene and destroyed the explosive materials.

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The case initially began at the state level in San Joaquin County before federal authorities became involved. Court records showed Singh failed to appear for scheduled proceedings in July 2025, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. Later that month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information from US Customs and Border Protection indicating Singh had booked a flight to India from San Francisco International Airport. Officers subsequently located and arrested him at the airport before he could leave the country.

Federal prosecutors argued that Singh’s actions posed a major threat to public safety due to the nature of the weapons involved and the alleged gang connections. Machine gun conversion devices and explosive materials are subject to strict federal restrictions because they significantly increase the destructive capability of firearms. Authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to target illegal weapons trafficking networks and outlaw biker groups suspected of involvement in organized criminal activity across the United States.

Singh remains in federal custody following the sentencing and is expected to serve his prison term under the US federal corrections system. Officials have not indicated whether additional arrests related to the Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club are expected, though investigators said the case involved coordination between several law enforcement agencies. The sentencing marks another high-profile crackdown on illegal firearms operations as authorities continue efforts to combat organized crime and the unlawful distribution of weapons across state lines.

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