Individuals wanted by Indian authorities have transformed their situations by migrating to North America using student visas and asylum applications. From California and British Columbia, they reinstated their criminal networks. Recently, law enforcement in the United States and Canada has intensified efforts to counteract these activities.
International Criminal Networks
In December 2023, an Indian businessman received a video call from Lawrence Bishnoi, a prominent crime boss. Despite years in prison, Bishnoi relayed threats using encrypted apps to associates now in North America. A screenshot taken during the call is part of an FBI investigation centered in Sacramento.
Bishnoi, detained for most of the last decade, continues to manage his network, primarily conducted from a distance. His operatives now extend into the United States. A federal case unsealed in California identifies these criminals as having a significant presence beyond Indian borders.
Shifting Crime Dynamics
The story evolves as these fugitives transition from targeting Indians to influencing American territory. Initially, they targeted individuals in India while finding refuge abroad. Their operations in locations like the Central Valley of California and Vancouver remained stable due to lengthy extradition processes and the legal protections afforded by asylum claims.
Over time, they expanded illegal activities to North America. Networks initially dedicated to extortion have embraced narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and cocaine distribution. A case in Sacramento illustrates the merger of international criminal practices with local threats.
Law Enforcement and the Public’s Challenge
Lawrence Bishnoi’s network is recognized across international policing bodies—classified by the FBI as a major transnational criminal organization and tagged by Canadian and Indian agencies similarly. The cooperation between these countries demonstrates a unified acknowledgment of the threat’s gravity.
Profiles of Key Figures
Several individuals associated with Bishnoi are central to ongoing investigations:
- Lawrence Bishnoi: Operates from prison, coordinating via encrypted communications.
- Anmol Bishnoi: Formerly operated from the U.S., linked to various high-profile murders, deported to India in 2025.
- Satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar): Publicly admitted involvement in the Moose Wala murder, currently sought in the U.S.
- Arshdeep Singh Gill: Involved in narcotics and arms smuggling, active in Canada.
The detailed profiles reveal the complex layers of this expansive crime network.
Mechanisms of Crime
“A gangster no longer needs to physically be present in Haryana to order an extortion, a shooting, or an intimidation attack.” —B. Satheesh Balan, Inspector General, Haryana Special Task Force
Criminal operations are described as highly organized, leveraging technology for anonymity and efficiency. Initial communications often involve encrypted apps to shield the true identities and digital footprints of those orchestrating these crimes. Violence and intimidation serve not only to extract money but to establish dominance and fear in target communities.
Implications in the United States
In California, these gangs are implicated in a series of shootings and extortion plots, showing their reach and adaptability. Local authorities face challenges in addressing these threats, as the complexity and transnational nature of the networks pose unique hurdles.
The Drug Trafficking Dimension
Beyond extortion and violence, drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, is a crucial concern for U.S. authorities. Operations reveal connections between South Asian gangs, chemical suppliers, and Mexican cartels, underscoring the international scope of the threat.
Recommendations for Better Coordination
Officials from the involved countries urge enhanced speed and cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by these crime networks. As authorities demand quicker responses and streamlined processes, the criminal networks continue adapting, embedding themselves deeper into local and international crime arenas.
The network’s ability to coordinate large-scale criminal enterprises across borders points to systemic issues in current law enforcement strategies and highlights the need for accelerated collaboration and enforcement as the situation develops.