The U.S. Justice Department says 24 suspects worldwide, including three in Canada, have been arrested in connection with offences tied to India-based organized crime networks.
The cases include allegations connected to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia and broader accusations involving murder, extortion, shootings, arson, kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar Charged in Nijjar Case
Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is already imprisoned in India, and his alleged lieutenant Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, have been charged in relation to Nijjar’s killing.
Authorities allege they ordered the June 2023 assassination of Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C.
The indictment names 37 suspects in total and says high-profile violent crimes were allegedly used to frighten and extort members of Indian communities.
Vancouver Shooting Also Mentioned in Indictment
The indictment also refers to a separate shooting in November 2023 at the Vancouver home of a prominent Indian actor and singer.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for that shooting in a Punjabi-language Facebook post, warning that “no one can save you from us.”
Officials say the incident was part of a wider pattern of violence and intimidation.
Operation Hard Ball Leads to Major Seizures
The arrests were part of an enforcement effort called Operation Hard Ball.
In a Tuesday news release, the U.S. Justice Department said law enforcement seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 12 firearms.
Authorities allege the Bishnoi gang funded its criminal activities through drug trafficking.
Cocaine Shipment Allegedly Intended for Canada
The Justice Department said Bishnoi and Brar oversaw the transportation of 49 kilograms of cocaine in November 2024.
That shipment was intercepted in California and was allegedly intended to be sent to Canada.
The seizure is one part of the broader investigation into cross-border drug movement linked to the accused crime networks.
Eleven Charged in Alleged U.S.-Canada Drug Operation
Eleven people were charged in a separate alleged drug-smuggling operation.
Authorities say the group moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine each week from the United States into Canada.
Among those charged are Ravinder Singh Dhanda of Vancouver, Jaskarn Baghr of Surrey, B.C., and Gurtej Singh Smagh of Creston, B.C.
The three Canadian-linked suspects and eight others face eight charges related to the alleged operation.
Third Crime Group Also Targeted
The U.S. Justice Department also announced charges against 17 members of a third organized crime group.
Officials say that network was operated by another imprisoned gangster in India, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.
The charges form part of a larger international effort targeting multiple transnational criminal organizations.
RCMP Says Leadership of Three Groups Was Dismantled
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme spoke at a news conference in Los Angeles, saying the investigation had dismantled the leadership of three criminal organizations.
He said the groups caused harm to victims across the world.
Duheme named Lawrence Bishnoi, Ravinder Dhanda and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria as some of the most violent and far-reaching criminals involved.
He said their alleged crimes include kidnapping, extortion, murder, shootings, arson, drug trafficking and other offences.
Authorities Search for 10 Fugitives
In addition to those arrested or already in custody, police are still searching for 10 fugitives around the world.
Authorities say seven are believed to be in the United States, two in India, and one in Europe.
The international search remains ongoing.
FBI Says Operation Targeted Brutal Transnational Networks
Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said the operation struck at three violent transnational organizations.
He said the groups had terrorized families, exploited communities and taken lives through violence in the United States and abroad.
First assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia are committed to dismantling these criminal networks wherever they operate.
He added that there is no safe place for those involved.
Nijjar Killing Previously Sparked Diplomatic Crisis
In May 2024, four Indian nationals were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar’s killing.
That case is currently before the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.
Nijjar supported the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
His supporters have maintained that the Indian government was involved in his death.
Trudeau Previously Cited Intelligence Linking India to Killing
In September 2023, then-prime minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that Canada had credible intelligence linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing.
The statement triggered a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and India.
Last year, the Canadian government designated the Bishnoi group as a terrorist entity.
Justice Department Describes Bishnoi’s Public Image
The U.S. Justice Department said Bishnoi promoted himself through social media and media interviews as a patriot, nationalist and deeply religious person.
Authorities allege he used that public image to recruit members.
The indictment identifies Nijjar by the initials H.S.N., while also describing the date and circumstances of his killing.
The U.S. Justice Department’s announcement marks a major international enforcement action against India-based organized crime networks accused of violence, extortion and drug trafficking across several countries.
Officials say 24 suspects have been arrested worldwide, including three in Canada, while 10 fugitives remain wanted.
The indictment links Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar to the alleged ordering of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s 2023 killing in Surrey, B.C., and also outlines drug seizures, cross-border trafficking allegations and charges against multiple criminal groups.
The case adds another layer to the already sensitive Canada-India tensions surrounding Nijjar’s death and highlights the growing concern over transnational organized crime.
