‘Operation Hard Ball’ has seen the FBI conduct coordinated raids across the US, Canada and Europe targeting the Lawrence Bishnoi gang
US federal prosecutors have charged jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his close aide Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar with allegedly ordering the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023, marking a significant development in a major international crackdown on transnational organised crime.
The charges were unveiled in a federal indictment unsealed in Los Angeles as part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated law enforcement operation involving agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe. The wider crackdown has led to charges against 37 individuals and the arrest of 24 people linked to India-based organised crime syndicates.
Indictment links Bishnoi and Brar to Nijjar’s killing
According to the indictment, Bishnoi allegedly directed the operation from prison in India, while Goldy Brar is accused of managing the gang’s activities in North America.
The charges allege that the duo orchestrated the June 18, 2023, killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Prosecutors claim Bishnoi used smuggled mobile phones from jail to coordinate the operation and shared Nijjar’s photograph and addresses with co-conspirators.
Part of Operation Hard Ball
The indictment forms part of Operation Hard Ball, a multinational operation targeting three India-linked transnational organised crime groups allegedly involved in offences including extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, contract killings and weapons smuggling.
Authorities said coordinated raids were carried out across the US, Canada and Europe, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of firearms, narcotics and cash.
No allegation against Indian government in indictment
While Nijjar’s killing triggered a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada after Ottawa alleged possible involvement of Indian government agents, the US indictment does not accuse the Indian government of involvement in the assassination.
The charges focus on the alleged role of Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and members of their criminal network.
Investigation remains ongoing
US officials said the investigation into the international criminal syndicates is continuing, with several accused still at large.
Authorities described the operation as one of the most extensive multinational efforts against India-linked organised crime networks, stressing that cooperation between law enforcement agencies will continue to target criminal organisations operating across international borders.
Focus on global criminal network
Investigators believe the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has expanded its footprint beyond India by building an extensive network of operatives and facilitators overseas.
The international operation is also expected to help trace the gang’s financial channels and communication networks.
Joint effort by international agencies
The crackdown is being carried out with the cooperation of several international law enforcement agencies as part of a broader effort to combat organised crime networks operating across borders.
Officials said intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations have become increasingly important as criminal syndicates use international networks to evade enforcement and finance illegal activities.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not yet disclosed the total number of arrests or seizures made during the ongoing operation.
Investigators are continuing to analyse evidence collected during the raids, while further action is expected as the probe into the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s global network progresses.
The operation marks one of the most significant international enforcement actions targeting the alleged organised crime syndicate and underscores growing global cooperation against transnational criminal organisations.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
