Global Reach of Indian Gangs Sparks Fear Among Desi Diaspora

The reach of Indian organized crime syndicates has expanded far beyond India, threatening diaspora communities worldwide. Gangs once rooted in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh now operate in Canada, the USA, Europe, and the UAE, exploiting diaspora networks, digital tools, and porous borders to orchestrate crimes like extortion, shootings, and arms smuggling.

Surrey Shootings Spotlight Bishnoi Gang

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, led by the jailed gangster from Gujarat, recently claimed responsibility for multiple shootings in Surrey, British Columbia, targeting businesses linked to Indian entrepreneurs, including radio stations and restaurants. Associate Goldy Dhillon, operating from Germany, publicized the attacks through social media.

The gang, designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September, has over 700 operatives worldwide and has been linked to high-profile killings such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023 and Harjit Singh in 2025, both in Canada. Other associates like Goldy Brar allegedly orchestrate criminal activities from Canada, while Dhillon recruits “foot soldiers” across Europe and North America.

Diaspora Under Threat

Indian gangs abroad target business owners, community leaders, and cultural organizations. Reports indicate a surge in extortion calls and intimidation, forcing some victims to pay quietly rather than involve law enforcement. Attacks have also affected places of worship like Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey for resisting extortion demands.

Complex Transnational Networks

Law enforcement notes links between gangs and pro-Khalistan extremist groups, sharing funds, logistics, and arms. Financial operations often involve routing money from extortion, arms, and illicit businesses into real estate, luxury assets, films, and sports, sustaining criminal and extremist activities overseas.

Challenges for Authorities

Investigating these networks is hindered by jurisdictional limits, slow extradition processes, encrypted communication, and fear among witnesses. Key figures like Bishnoi, while imprisoned or abroad, continue to exert influence through associates, complicating enforcement efforts.

Urgent Need for International Cooperation

Experts stress strengthened intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and extradition treaties to dismantle these syndicates. Leveraging global frameworks such as Interpol and fostering diplomatic collaboration is essential to bring overseas gangsters to justice and curb cross-border crime targeting the diaspora.

The recent Surrey shootings underline the urgent need for global vigilance and coordinated action against Indian organized crime syndicates.