A coordinated international law enforcement operation targeting India-based organised crime groups has resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects, US authorities announced on Tuesday. The investigation involved agencies from the United States, Canada, and several European countries, focusing on criminal networks accused of operating across multiple continents.
According to US officials, the operation targeted syndicates allegedly involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including racketeering, contract killings, targeted shootings, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, human smuggling, and weapons trafficking.
Authorities said dozens of individuals have been charged as part of the investigation. While 24 suspects have been arrested, 10 of those charged remain at large.
US Authorities Outline Allegations
Speaking after the announcement, First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said transnational criminal organisations that spread violence and fear would be held accountable under US law.
Investigators allege that two of the principal figures continued directing criminal operations while serving prison sentences in India, coordinating activities through associates across several countries.
The charges contained in the indictments represent allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Nijjar Assassination Included in the Investigation
Among the cases referenced in the indictments is the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist born in Punjab who supported the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland.
US authorities allege that Lawrence Bishnoi, a 33-year-old gangster from India’s Punjab state, ordered the killing from prison. Canadian authorities have designated Bishnoi’s organisation as a terrorist entity.
Officials claim Bishnoi publicly portrayed himself as a religious patriot while allegedly using that image to recruit members for a criminal network operating in India, North America, and other regions.
Alleged Criminal Network Spanned Multiple Continents
According to investigators, Bishnoi’s organisation was involved in a broad range of criminal activities, including political assassinations, contract killings, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling.
Authorities allege the network maintained links across several countries, enabling it to coordinate operations beyond India’s borders.
Rival Gang Leader Also Charged
The indictments also name Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, 38, another alleged gangster from Punjab who is currently imprisoned in India. Authorities describe him as a former associate of Bishnoi who later became his rival and established his own criminal organisation.
US prosecutors allege that Bhagwanpuria’s network has grown to include more than 1,000 members operating across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
He has been charged alongside 16 other defendants in connection with allegations that include murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and illegal weapons trafficking.
Investigation Reflects Growing International Cooperation
The case highlights increasing cooperation among law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational organised crime. Authorities said criminal organisations operating across borders present significant challenges that require coordinated investigations and intelligence sharing between multiple countries.
Officials indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional legal proceedings are expected as authorities continue pursuing suspects who have not yet been taken into custody.
