In a major development targeting transnational organised crime, a US grand jury has indicted jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and several members of his alleged criminal network, accusing them of operating a vast international syndicate involved in murder, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, human trafficking and other serious offences.
According to the indictment, Bishnoi continued to direct the gang from prison through mobile phones and internet-based communication services. US investigators say the organisation expanded its activities far beyond India, establishing operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.
Gang Apparently Used Fear and Social Media
The charges allege that the gang created an atmosphere of fear by publicly claiming responsibility for violent incidents through social media. The investigators have concluded that the organization used such claims to intimidate victims and extort wealthy businessmen, celebrities and other targets.
According to the indictment, gang members issued death threats via WhatsApp messages and voice notes and asked for extortion payments of crores of rupees.
North American Drug Trafficking
US authorities have also accused the Bishnoi gang of operating an international narcotics network that allegedly smuggled cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine into the United States and Canada.
The indictment also states that the group not only trafficked drugs but also extorted narcotics from competitors in the drug trade before selling them for profit.
Recruitment of Youths
Investigators say the gang recruited economically vulnerable and underage youths from Punjab by entrapping them with promises of money, status and influence. Some recruits were taken to the US and Canada, where they allegedly assisted the gang in expanding its overseas activities.
The charges also mention Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara, and several other alleged associates as key figures responsible for controlling the gang’s international activities.
Undercover Investigation
US law enforcement agencies said the alleged criminal network was uncovered through confidential informants, undercover operations and extensive investigations.
The indictment claims that the gang extorted millions of dollars from business owners in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, describing it as a sophisticated cross-border criminal enterprise.
As part of the case, the US government has asked the court to seize assets believed to have been linked to the organisation—money, firearms and other property believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.
FBI's Earlier Crackdown
The indictment comes at the same time that the FBI has been aggressively pursuing the same case during Operation Hard Ball.
The FBI and its partners made coordinated raids in California and several other locations on July 7, detaining 20 people and seizing weapons, drugs and other alleged contraband from them.
The FBI also announced a reward of up to USD 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Goldy Brar, the most important suspect in the case.
The allegations contained in the indictment are accusations, and all the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. It is one of the most significant US legal actions against an alleged India-linked transnational criminal network in recent years.
