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Canada is facing a growing threat from India-based organised crime groups, particularly the Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to a series of violent incidents, including the assassination of prominent Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The recent arrest of 24 individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as part of a coordinated crackdown on these gangs, highlights the urgent need for federal intervention to protect vulnerable business owners from extortion and violence.
Recent Developments in Gang Activity
On Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed the results of a transnational operation that led to the arrests of 24 suspects charged with extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking associated with Indian criminal organisations. Among the charges is one related to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegedly orchestrated by leaders of the Bishnoi gang. This incident took place outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, earlier this year and has drawn significant attention due to Nijjar’s advocacy for a separate Sikh homeland.
However, despite these arrests, experts warn that the situation remains precarious. The charges against the accused have yet to be proven in court, and the fact that some defendants carried out their alleged crimes while incarcerated in Indian prisons raises serious concerns about the pervasive nature of these gangs. Furthermore, ten additional suspects remain at large across multiple continents, indicating that organised crime networks operate with relative impunity.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Influence
The Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi—currently imprisoned in India—has reportedly claimed to have an army of 1,000 gunmen at its disposal, although the veracity of this claim remains questionable. Alongside Bishnoi, his North American associate, Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, faces charges related to Nijjar’s murder. While the gang’s violent actions have attracted media attention, their primary motivation appears to be financial gain rather than political ideology. Their victims range from high-profile individuals like Bollywood star Salman Khan to regular business owners, all of whom possess resources that the gang seeks to exploit.
In addition to the Bishnoi gang, various other crime syndicates, including the Bhagwanpuria gang and the Bambiha Gang, are operating in Canada, further complicating the landscape of organised crime. The Canadian government officially designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation last year, citing a notable increase in violent crimes, including shootings and arson.
Calls for Federal Action
The extortion crisis has escalated to such an extent that the mayors of Brampton, Ontario, and Surrey, British Columbia, have called for the federal government to declare a national emergency. The gangs are not confined to specific regions, with evidence suggesting their presence in provinces such as Alberta and Manitoba. So far in 2023, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FinTRAC) has reported 194 disclosures of “actionable financial intelligence” related to extortion, suggesting a widespread issue that requires immediate attention.
Victims of these extortion schemes typically include small and medium-sized business owners across various sectors, with demands ranging from substantial sums to millions of dollars. The situation is exacerbated by border security lapses that have allowed gangs to recruit international students and other temporary residents, some of whom have claimed refugee status to evade deportation.
Seeking Solutions
It is crucial for the Canadian government to engage directly with affected business owners to devise effective strategies against these gangs. Research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business indicates that many entrepreneurs live in fear for their safety. While security rebate programmes can help mitigate some financial losses, they do not address the root causes of the problem. Moreover, the establishment of robust whistle-blower protections is essential to encourage individuals to report criminal activities without fear of reprisal.
Canada has confronted similar extortion crises in the past, such as the activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the mid-2000s, which targeted Sri Lankan business owners. The ongoing prevalence of transnational gangs, particularly among diaspora communities, underscores the need for a comprehensive, nationwide response to this pressing national security issue.
Why it Matters
The rise of organised crime in Canada, particularly from overseas, poses a significant threat to the safety and economic stability of communities. As small business owners face increasing pressure from extortionists, the government must take decisive action to dismantle these networks and protect its citizens. Addressing this issue is not only vital for preserving public safety but also essential for maintaining the integrity of Canadian society against the backdrop of transnational crime.
