US federal prosecutors have unsealed an international indictment against jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his alleged associate Satinderjeet Singh, widely known as Goldy Brar, accusing them of directing the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The charges were announced in Los Angeles as part of a multinational law enforcement operation targeting alleged transnational criminal networks involved in violence, drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
The operation, known as Operation Hardball, involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other international agencies. US officials said the investigation resulted in charges against 37 defendants across three separate indictments.
According to court documents filed in the Central District of California, prosecutors allege that Bishnoi continued directing criminal activities from inside an Indian prison using unauthorized communication methods.
Investigators claim he used smuggled mobile phones and online messaging platforms to communicate with associates and coordinate operations connected to his alleged network.
The indictment alleges that information was provided to individuals involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
The defendants have not been convicted, and the allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
Nijjar Murder Investigation
The US indictment centers on allegations that Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were involved in directing the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar as part of a broader criminal operation.
Prosecutors allege that Bishnoi maintained control over his network while imprisoned and used illegal communication channels to stay connected with associates outside India.
Court documents claim that members of the alleged network gathered information about Nijjar’s movements before the shooting. Investigators allege that this information helped coordinate the attack.
Nijjar was killed by two masked gunmen while leaving the parking area of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, a city near Vancouver. The killing later became a major diplomatic issue between Canada and India.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadian intelligence agencies were investigating allegations of possible links between Indian government officials and the murder. India has repeatedly rejected those allegations.
Following the announcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Goldy Brar.
US authorities allege that Brar played a leadership role in coordinating criminal operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Operation Hardball Triggers Global Crackdown
The Nijjar investigation formed part of a wider international effort targeting alleged criminal organizations operating across multiple countries.
Operation Hardball involved coordinated arrests, searches, and intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies in North America and Europe.
US officials said 37 individuals were charged across three indictments linked to alleged criminal groups involved in violent crimes and financial operations.
Authorities reported that 24 individuals were arrested during the operation, with arrests taking place in California, Indiana, Georgia, Canada, and Spain.
Several other defendants were already in custody when the indictments were announced, while investigators continue efforts to locate additional suspects.
Officials said the alleged networks were involved in contract killings, narcotics trafficking, extortion, racketeering, and illegal firearms activity.
During coordinated raids, federal agents seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, firearms, and suspected illicit funds.
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said international law enforcement agencies were committed to dismantling criminal organizations operating across borders.
“Working together, law enforcement in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia are determined to target and dismantle these criminal organizations wherever they operate,” Essayli said.
Punjab Police Officer Named in US Case
Among those named in the US investigation is Punjab Police officer Station House Officer Gurinderjit Singh Nagra.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Nagra was connected to an extortion scheme involving members of the alleged criminal network.
The FBI alleges that criminals attempted to extort $400,000 from a Los Angeles family by threatening false murder charges against relatives in India.
Investigators claim the network used personal information and official connections to pressure victims and demand payments.
US prosecutors said international legal procedures would be used against individuals charged in the case.
Officials said extradition efforts could be pursued for suspects located outside US jurisdiction.
Nagra has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain unresolved in court.
Other Alleged Criminal Networks Targeted
The federal indictments also target other alleged India-linked criminal organizations accused of operating internationally.
One indictment names Ravinder Singh Dhanda, also known as John Wick, who prosecutors allege managed a logistics network involved in trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Authorities claim the network used international routes and criminal connections to move illegal narcotics.
Another indictment focuses on the alleged organization linked to Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.
US prosecutors allege that the group was involved in racketeering, shootings, arson, and extortion targeting business owners across North America.
Investigators claim these organizations used violence and intimidation to expand their influence and maintain control over criminal operations.
Diplomatic Fallout and Legal Proceedings
The indictment comes amid continuing tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The case became a diplomatic dispute after Canadian officials said they were investigating possible links between Indian government representatives and the murder.
India has denied any involvement and rejected Canada’s allegations.
The US indictment does not accuse the Indian government of involvement and instead focuses on alleged criminal organizations.
American and Canadian officials have emphasized cooperation between law enforcement agencies in investigating cross-border crime.
Defendants arrested in the United States are expected to appear in federal courts, while authorities continue efforts to locate suspects outside US jurisdiction.
The US Department of Justice said the alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group used violence and intimidation to target individuals and communities across borders.
US and Canadian authorities have pledged continued cooperation as the investigation moves forward.
