LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Diya TV) — Federal agents carried out a major international crackdown Tuesday against the India-based Bishnoi Gang, arresting at least 24 suspects across the United States, Canada and Europe. Investigators said the operation targeted an organized crime network linked to drug trafficking, extortion, targeted killings and other violent crimes.
Authorities said the coordinated action included at least 50 raids. Agents searched dozens of locations across California and other regions. They also seized more than 2,200 pounds of cocaine and heroin, about $40,000 in cash, and a dozen firearms.
Federal officials described the operation as one of the largest actions ever taken against the criminal organization. The investigation, called Operation Hard Ball, followed years of work by law enforcement agencies in several countries.
Officials said at least eight suspects were arrested in the Los Angeles area. At least five others were taken into custody in Northern California. Authorities also made arrests in Indiana, Georgia, Canada, and Spain.
Investigators executed 23 search warrants in the Sacramento area and 11 more in the Los Angeles region. However, officials said they are still searching for several fugitives, including seven in the United States, two in India, and one in Europe.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the defendants took part in extremely violent crimes. He added that federal authorities will continue to pursue criminal organizations that threaten public safety.
According to prosecutors, the Bishnoi Gang operates from India but has built a criminal network across several countries. Investigators said the group carries out racketeering, contract killings, shootings, kidnappings, extortion schemes, and large-scale drug trafficking.
Authorities identified 33-year-old Lawrence Bishnoi as the alleged leader of the organization. Although he remains imprisoned in India, prosecutors said he continues to direct gang operations through trusted associates and regional leaders.
Court documents allege that those associates organize targeted attacks, intimidate victims, and oversee drug trafficking activities in multiple countries. Investigators believe the gang uses violence to build fear and strengthen its influence.
Prosecutors also linked the organization to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist deemed a terrorist by India, who lived in British Columbia, Canada. Court records allege that Lawrence Bishnoi ordered two gunmen to carry out the shooting after Nijjar left a Sikh temple.
The indictment also connects the gang to other high-profile acts of violence. Prosecutors said the organization targeted religious leaders, political figures, and well-known members of the community to spread fear and pressure victims into making payments.
In another case, officials said Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility for a shooting at the Vancouver home of Indian actor and singer Gippy Grewal in November 2023. Authorities said a social media message later warned that no one could protect the entertainer.
Investigators said the gang also relied on extortion to finance its operations. In one alleged case earlier this year, members demanded $5 million from a wealthy resident in Thousand Oaks, California. Prosecutors said they threatened violence if the payment was not made.
Drug trafficking also played a major role in the organization’s activities. Authorities said gang members moved cocaine from the United States into Canada using long-haul trucks. In addition, prosecutors alleged that the group stole drug shipments from rival criminal organizations.
Court documents state that gang members stole more than 1,100 pounds of cocaine from rival groups in the Los Angeles area between March 2024 and July 2025. Prosecutors charged Lawrence Bishnoi and eight other defendants with racketeering, extortion, and trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine.
Officials also expanded Tuesday’s operation to target the Bhagwanpuria Gang. Prosecutors identified Jaggu Bhagwanpuria as the group’s founder. They said he once worked with Lawrence Bishnoi before becoming a rival.
Authorities believe the Bhagwanpuria organization has more than 1,000 members worldwide, including over 100 in the United States. Investigators accused the group of contract killings, drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and weapons trafficking.
Meanwhile, officials said the investigation remains active. They expect additional arrests as they continue to track suspects in several countries. Federal authorities also pledged to work closely with international partners to disrupt transnational organized crime networks and prevent future violence.
