Transnational Crime Networks Operating from India, U.S., and Canada
A group of criminals, once wanted in India, have transformed student visas and asylum claims into opportunities to expand their operations into the United States and Canada. From secluded addresses in California and British Columbia, they have reconstructed the criminal empires from which they fled. Law enforcement agencies in both countries are now beginning to address the issue.
Unsettling Revelations
In December 2023, an Indian businessman encountered one of the country’s most notorious crime bosses during a video call. The caller, not fearing exposure, demanded a payment, threatening death. The businessman took a screenshot, which the FBI now uses as part of a federal case in Sacramento. Eight thousand miles away, the accused mastermind, Lawrence Bishnoi, directs his operations from an Indian prison. His associates, who collect money and execute orders, operate from abroad. A recently unsealed federal indictment in California places several of these operatives in the United States.
An International Criminal Network
Bishnoi’s network has extended its reach beyond India. The FBI, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Indian police describe it as a widespread criminal syndicate. The group’s activities moved from targeting individuals in India to threatening people in Sacramento. Their operations now cover extortion, arms smuggling, and drugs including cocaine and fentanyl.
An inter-governmental fugitive list reveals details about the suspects involved. Lawrence Bishnoi is central; his brother, Anmol Bishnoi, managed the network’s U.S. operations until his extradition to India in 2025. Goldy Brar, associated with a high-profile murder, remains wanted in the U.S. The network, involving multiple operatives, spans activities in narcotics, murder, and extortion.
How the Network Functions
Inspector General B. Satheesh Balan from India’s Special Task Force explains the network’s operation. Commands originate from overseas, passed through middlemen who use digital anonymity. This hybrid model involves local recruits committing violent acts, while overseas handlers maintain safe distance. Transactions often involve digital currencies, complicating law enforcement efforts.
The U.S. and Canadian Connection
The network’s presence in North America is notable. In California’s Central Valley, authorities link the group to multiple shootings and extortion cases. Suspects with gang ties have been killed or arrested, with no significant resolution reported. American investigations reveal a structure involving encrypted communications and international drug trade.
Canada, the first to declare the Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity, takes a more direct approach. With legal tools treating gang-related activities as criminal offenses, Canadian authorities work with international partners to enforce immigration laws and pursue investigations.
Shared Challenges and Efforts
Extradition remains a contentious point. India seeks cooperation through pending extradition requests to Canada and the United States. However, progress is slow due to legal complexities and procedural cautiousness required for international cooperation.
Efforts against drug-related activities show promise, with cross-border investigations targeting fentanyl and other narcotics. Cooperation between U.S. and Indian agencies has improved, focusing on dismantling drug networks.
The Need for Speed
Officials across involved countries emphasize the need for faster legal processes to counteract rapidly evolving organized crime. Discussions with agencies highlight a gap between the network’s operational speed and the traditional pace of legal proceedings. As the criminal network continues to grow, cross-border cooperation and expedited processes remain crucial for containment.