Law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada and Europe have arrested 24 suspects linked to three India-based transnational crime groups accused of involvement in murders, extortion, drug trafficking and other serious offences.
The US Department of Justice said the arrests were made during “Operation Hard Ball”, a joint investigation targeting organised crime networks operating across several countries.
The investigation includes allegations related to the 2023 killing of a prominent Indian political and religious figure in Canada. The victim, identified in court documents as H.S.N., was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
According to US prosecutors, the alleged criminal network was led by Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently imprisoned in India. Authorities accused him and his associates of directing violent activities, including targeted killings, shootings, kidnappings, extortion and drug trafficking from abroad.
The US Justice Department said a total of 37 defendants have been charged in three indictments. Eleven suspects were arrested in California, while others were detained in different US states, Canada and Europe.
Authorities also seized around 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, cash and firearms during the operation.
Officials from US and Canadian law enforcement agencies said the crackdown aimed to dismantle international crime networks and prevent violence against communities in different countries.
Thailand tightens entry requirements for Indian passport holders
