International law enforcement agencies have arrested and charged dozens of individuals linked to India-based transnational crime syndicates following a sweeping multiyear investigation.
The major crackdown targets operations accused of global violent crimes, including the 2023 assassination of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
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U.S. Indictment Alleges Gang Leaders Ordered Killing
A U. S.
indictment alleges that Indian criminal gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi and his North American deputy, Satinderjeet Singh, ordered the targeted killing of Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
The gang leaders reportedly coordinated global racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking operations directly from their prison cells in India, frequently targeting the Indian diaspora.
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According to reports from the RCMP and FBI, the joint investigation has led to charges against 37 defendants globally.
Law enforcement officials executed arrests across multiple countries, taking three individuals into custody in British Columbia, 13 in the United States, and one in Spain.
The multiyear federal probe, known as Operation Hard Ball, uncovered extensive networks involved in shootings, kidnappings, and drug trafficking.
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Canadian law enforcement officials described the coordinated international breakthrough as a significant moment for public safety within Canada.
