In a significant move against transnational organised crime, a US grand jury has indicted jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and several members of his criminal network, accusing them of running a vast international syndicate involved in murder, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnappings, shootings and human trafficking. The indictment alleges that the gang expanded its operations across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, making it one of the most extensive criminal enterprises linked to an Indian organised crime group.
According to the chargesheet, Bishnoi allegedly continued to direct the gang's operations from prison by using mobile phones and internet-based communication platforms. US investigators claim that despite being incarcerated, he remained at the centre of decision-making, issuing instructions and coordinating criminal activities through encrypted communication channels.
The indictment alleges that the gang deliberately cultivated an atmosphere of fear by publicly claiming responsibility for violent crimes on social media platforms. Authorities said this strategy was designed to intimidate victims and strengthen the gang's reputation, enabling it to extort large sums of money from wealthy businessmen, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Investigators further alleged that gang members sent death threats through WhatsApp messages, voice notes and other digital communication platforms, demanding extortion payments amounting to crores of rupees. The chargesheet states that refusal to comply often resulted in threats of violence or targeted attacks.
US authorities have also accused the gang of operating an extensive cross-border narcotics network. According to investigators, the organisation smuggled cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine into the United States and Canada while simultaneously extorting drugs from rival trafficking groups before reselling them for profit.
The indictment claims the gang's criminal activities went beyond direct drug trafficking, alleging that it used intimidation and violence to seize narcotics from competing organisations, thereby expanding both its influence and financial resources.
The chargesheet alleges that the organisation recruited economically vulnerable and underage youths from Punjab by promising them money, status and a better future. Investigators claim several of these recruits eventually became trusted members of the syndicate and were later sent to the United States and Canada to strengthen the gang's overseas operations.
Among those named in the indictment are alleged key associates Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, who investigators say managed the organisation's activities outside India and played significant roles in coordinating criminal operations across international borders.
According to US authorities, confidential informants and undercover investigations helped expose the gang's alleged international operations. The investigation reportedly uncovered evidence linking the organisation to extortion schemes targeting businessmen in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, generating millions of dollars through intimidation and threats.
Prosecutors argue that the organisation had evolved into a sophisticated global criminal enterprise with diversified revenue streams ranging from extortion and narcotics trafficking to organised violence.
As part of the prosecution, the US government has asked the court to confiscate the gang's alleged criminal assets, including cash, firearms and other properties believed to have been acquired through illegal activities. The asset seizure request forms a key component of the government's effort to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting the alleged syndicate.
The indictment follows earlier enforcement action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Operation Hard Ball. On July 7, the FBI, along with partner agencies, conducted coordinated raids in California and several other locations, detaining 20 individuals while seizing weapons, narcotics and other contraband. The agency also intensified its pursuit of Goldy Brar, announcing a reward of up to 50,000 US dollars for information leading to his arrest.
The case marks one of the most significant international legal actions against the Bishnoi network to date and underscores growing cooperation among global law enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime that operates across national borders.
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