U.S., Canadian and European law enforcement agencies have arrested 24 people in a major crackdown on India-based organized crime groups accused of murder, extortion, shootings, drug trafficking and other violent offences across several countries.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday the operation, named “Operation Hard Ball,” stems from a years-long federal investigation into three transnational crime syndicates with alleged links to violence in Canada, the United States and abroad. In total, 37 defendants have been charged across three indictments unsealed in California. Three people were arrested in Canada, 13 in the United States, one in Spain and seven were already in custody before the operation. Authorities are still searching for 10 fugitives.
Major Charges Include Murder, Extortion And Drug Trafficking
According to U.S. prosecutors, the accused are linked to criminal groups involved in racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, drug trafficking, human smuggling and firearms offences. Authorities said the alleged crimes had a deep impact on Indian diaspora communities.
Investigators seized about 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms. Search warrants were also executed in the Sacramento and Los Angeles areas.
The indictments name three alleged organizations: the Bishnoi enterprise, the Bhagwanpuria enterprise and the Dhanda network. U.S. prosecutors allege Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, of Punjab, India, ran a global criminal enterprise while imprisoned in India. His alleged North American lieutenant, Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, is accused of helping direct violence outside India.
Canadian Killing Referenced In U.S. Court Documents
One indictment alleges Bishnoi and Brar ordered the June 18, 2023 killing of a man identified in court documents as “H.S.N.” outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. The details align with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist, who was shot outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
The Justice Department said the alleged killing formed part of a broader pattern in which the group targeted prominent religious, social and political figures to spread fear and support extortion schemes. Prosecutors also allege the enterprise threatened victims through WhatsApp and other encrypted apps, including an attempted $5-million extortion demand in California.
Canada Had Listed Bishnoi Gang As Terrorist Entity
The case comes months after Canada listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. Public Safety Canada said in September 2025 the group operates primarily out of India, has a presence in Canada and engages in murder, shootings, arson, extortion and intimidation targeting diaspora communities, businesses and cultural figures.
The RCMP has also said it is conducting a parallel investigation into South Asian organized crime. In an earlier public statement, the RCMP said Canadian police had investigated and charged a significant number of people for direct involvement in homicides, extortions and other violent acts linked to threats against South Asian communities in Canada.
Authorities stressed the charges are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, several accused face sentences ranging from mandatory minimum prison terms to life imprisonment.
