Navdeep Singh, of Dix Hills, charged in alleged murder-for-hire plot of business rival, Nassau DA says

Police arrested a Dix Hills man who allegedly promised $100,000 and 10 acres of land in India to an associate to kidnap, torture and kill a business rival, Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly and other officials announced on Monday.

Navdeep Singh, 48, was charged with second-degree conspiracy and second-degree criminal solicitation. Authorities learned about the alleged murder-for-hire plot when the would-be hit man reported it to the police, Donnelly said during a news conference in Mineola.

"Our investigation shows that Singh allegedly wanted the man kidnapped, taken out of state and tortured," Donnelly said. "Then he wanted the victim to transfer several million dollars to him, and after those funds cleared, Singh allegedly said he wanted the victim dead — but not just dead. He wanted him dismembered. He told the hit man he wanted a picture of the man’s head and another of his body."

Singh and the target of the plot had been partners for several years in construction projects, according to authorities. Their relationship soured two years ago after the intended victim terminated Singh’s firm, Gravity Construction Corp., from a job.

The two men have been engaged in a multimillion lawsuit since then, and Singh decided to end the dispute by having his rival kidnapped, tortured and killed, Donnelly said.

"He wanted his victim to be decapitated," the district attorney said. "Singh wanted this man to be humiliated and afraid in the final moments of his life. He wanted him to suffer before he died."

Nassau Police Chief of Detectives Chris Ferro said officials had to act quickly to make sure Singh’s target and others were not harmed as a result of the plot.

"This was a very dangerous situation. ... We are pleased to bring this man to justice and stop him from harming his intended victim or any Nassau County resident," Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said in a statement.

The would-be hit man, whom Donnelly said notified Nassau police about the plot, met with Singh several times between May 29 and June 3, Donnelly said.

She said Singh had taken photos of the intended target’s home and vehicle and sent them to the hired assassin to help identify the victim. Nassau police arrested Singh on Saturday in Manhasset, shortly after the defendant drove in the vicinity of the target’s home.

Singh also purchased multiple burner phones to avoid detection from law-enforcement, and paid the would-be hit man $7,000 as a down payment on kidnapping and killing, authorities said.

Singh was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad in Manhasset on Saturday, after the defendant drove around again near the victim’s home, the district attorney said. Singh appeared for arraignment on Sunday before Judge Lisa LoCurto, who set bail at $1 million cash, $2 million bond and $5 million partially secured bond. Singh, who remained in custody as of early Monday afternoon, is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges.

Singh was represented at his arraignment by the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County, which did not respond to requests for comment.