US Charges 37 in India Crime Probe as 24 Arrested Over 2023 Nijjar Killing
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
US Charges 37 in India Crime Probe as 24 Arrested Over 2023 Nijjar Killing
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
Summary
Three indictments unsealed Tuesday charge 37 defendants tied to India-based crime groups, with 24 suspects arrested in the US, Canada and Europe.
Federal prosecutors said the years-long probe targeted syndicates behind targeted killings, extortion and drug trafficking, including the 2023 murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, and Satinderjeet "Goldy Brar" Singh, 32, were charged with ordering Nijjar's assassination; Brar remains at large while Bishnoi has been jailed in India since 2015.
Investigators also alleged the gangs extorted diaspora community members, including a $5 million demand in California, and seized about 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, $40,000 and 12 firearms.
The case adds a US dimension to a killing that already triggered a major Canada-India diplomatic dispute and led Canada to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity in 2024.