Indian organised crime networks, spearheaded by syndicates such as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, are rapidly expanding their operations across the globe, transforming from localized criminal outfits into transnational threats. Once largely confined to India’s heartlands, these gangs now exploit diaspora communities, digital communication tools, and loopholes in international borders to orchestrate extortion, violence, and targeted killings abroad. Recent shootings in Surrey, Canada, linked to the Bishnoi syndicate, underscore the severity of this global escalation, as these criminal organisations increasingly threaten businesses, cultural institutions, and community leaders overseas.
On October 6, multiple shootings targeted properties connected to businessman Navi Dhesi in Surrey, South Surrey, and Maple Ridge. The Bishnoi gang, led by the imprisoned Lawrence Bishnoi from Gujarat, claimed responsibility through videos posted by associates, including Fateh Portugal. The attacks coincided with broadcasts critical of gangs on Dhesi’s Swift 1200 AM radio station. The Bishnoi network, now designated a terrorist entity by Canada, has over 700 operatives worldwide and is implicated in high-profile crimes such as the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the June 2025 murder of businessman Harjit Singh in Brampton. Other victims include community leaders and religious institutions, such as a trucking company owned by Raghbir Singh Nijjar and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, both targeted for resisting extortion demands.
The global footprint of these gangs extends beyond Canada. Goldy Brar, linked to the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, operates from Canada, while Goldy Dhillon, based in Germany, allegedly extorts millions from diaspora businessmen and recruits operatives for gang activities across Europe and North America. Indian law enforcement, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has flagged collaboration between overseas gangs and extremist outfits, particularly pro-Khalistan groups, providing funding, logistics, and arms in return for mutual protection and influence. These operations rely on sophisticated financial networks that launder extortion proceeds into real estate, luxury assets, sports, and entertainment sectors, sustaining both criminal and extremist agendas.
Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in countering these transnational operations. Jurisdictional limits, slow extradition processes, and difficulties in gathering admissible evidence across countries hinder investigations. Key figures, though imprisoned or operating from abroad, maintain control through associates using encrypted communication platforms, while violent intimidation discourages witnesses from cooperating, complicating prosecutions. The threats to South Asian diaspora communities have escalated fear, forcing some victims to comply with extortion demands rather than approach authorities.
Experts emphasise that enhanced international cooperation is essential to dismantle these syndicates. Strengthening intelligence-sharing, conducting joint operations, and negotiating extradition agreements with countries hosting fugitives are critical measures. Leveraging global frameworks such as Interpol, along with diplomatic engagement, can enable Indian authorities to curb cross-border criminal activity, bring perpetrators to justice, and mitigate the growing menace of transnational organised crime orchestrated by gangs like Bishnoi, Brar, and Dhillon.
