Washington, D.C.: In a major multinational crackdown on transnational organized crime, law enforcement agencies led by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrested 24 individuals allegedly linked to the criminal network headed by jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The coordinated operation, codenamed “Operation Hard Ball,” involved more than 50 raids across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Coordinated International Crackdown
Authorities said the operation targeted members and associates of the Bishnoi network suspected of involvement in serious crimes, including murder, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, money laundering, and illegal firearms offences. The raids were carried out with the support of law enforcement agencies from multiple countries, reflecting growing international cooperation against cross-border criminal syndicates.
Weapons, Drugs and Cash Seized
Investigators reportedly seized firearms, narcotics, ammunition, and large amounts of cash during the coordinated searches. Officials said the operation disrupted several cells believed to be operating across North America and Europe while supporting criminal activities linked to the Bishnoi organization.
Fresh Charges Against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar
The operation coincided with the unsealing of a U.S. federal indictment charging jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his alleged associate Goldy Brar (Satinderjeet Singh) with orchestrating the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to U.S. prosecutors, the charges are part of a broader investigation into transnational criminal organizations operating across several countries. The indictment does not allege involvement by the Indian government.
Wider Investigation Underway
U.S. authorities stated that 37 defendants have been charged through multiple federal indictments targeting Indian-linked organized crime networks. Investigators believe these groups were involved in violent crimes, extortion schemes, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal enterprises spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
FBI: No Safe Haven for Organized Crime
Officials described the operation as one of the most significant actions taken against the Bishnoi network outside India. The FBI emphasized that international criminal organizations will continue to face coordinated enforcement efforts and warned that there would be “no safe harbour” for those engaged in transnational organized crime.
Investigation Continues
Authorities indicated that investigations remain ongoing and that additional arrests could follow as agencies continue to identify individuals connected to the alleged criminal network. Law enforcement officials also appealed for public cooperation in tracing suspects who remain at large.
