Law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada announced charges against 37 individuals as part of Operation Hard Ball, a multiyear investigation targeting transnational criminal organizations involved in murder-for-hire plots, shootings, extortion, and drug trafficking. The investigation resulted in the indictment of Lawrence Bishnoi, who leads an Indian criminal gang and is currently imprisoned in Delhi. Authorities continue to search for seven fugitives in the US, two in India, and one in Europe.
The most prominent case in the investigation involves the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist who served as president of a Sikh temple in Canada. Nijjar was fatally shot outside the temple in a daylight shooting. Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, was charged for his role in the killing and remains a fugitive in the US. Bishnoi is alleged to have directed the operation from his prison cell using smuggled mobile phones and provided photographs and addresses of Nijjar to facilitate the assassination.
The killing of Nijjar created significant diplomatic tensions between Canada and India after Canadian officials suggested there were credible allegations of Indian government involvement. Nijjar was a leading figure in activism advocating for an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan and had been designated a terrorist by Indian authorities. Canada has since designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. Indian officials have denied involvement in foreign interference activities.
As part of Operation Hard Ball, authorities seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and a dozen firearms. Police say Bishnoi and his associates engaged in murder, kidnapping, extortion, and arson activities facilitated by an extensive drug-trafficking network. The investigation also identified two additional criminal organizations with members across multiple countries including the US, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and the UK. Canadian officials noted the charges represent a significant development for communities experiencing elevated levels of gang violence and extortion.
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