In a troubling development that highlights the growing influence of organised crime in Canada, the federal government is being urged to take decisive action against Indian crime syndicates targeting local businesses. A recent joint operation involving law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada, and Europe led to the arrest of 24 individuals linked to these gangs, with serious charges of extortion, drug trafficking, and racketeering being laid. Among the charges is the alleged involvement of the notorious Bishnoi gang in the assassination of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in 2023.
A Persistent Threat
Despite these arrests, experts caution against complacency. The charges remain unproven in court, and the extent of the problem is underscored by the fact that some suspects were reportedly committing crimes from behind bars in India, while others remain at large across three continents. This suggests that the transnational networks of these gangs operate with significant impunity.
The Bishnoi gang, led by the imprisoned Lawrence Bishnoi and his North American associate, Satinderjeet Singh—also known as Goldy Brar—has been particularly aggressive in its criminal activities. While the gang has drawn attention for its links to Nijjar’s murder, its primary motivation appears to be financial gain. This is evident in its history of targeting various high-profile individuals, including Bollywood actor Salman Khan and the late rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, as well as small business owners throughout Canada.
Growing Concerns in Communities
The Canadian government’s decision to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity last year was prompted by a significant rise in violent crime, including shootings and acts of arson linked to gang activity. However, the Bishnoi gang is not alone in its operations; other groups such as the Bhagwanpuria gang, the Bambiha Gang, and For Brothers also pose serious threats, making the situation more complex.
The severity of the extortion crisis has led local leaders, including the mayors of Brampton, Ontario, and Surrey, British Columbia, to call for the federal government to declare a national emergency. Their concerns are echoed by findings from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FinTRAC), which has reported 194 instances of “actionable financial intelligence” this year related to extortion schemes that primarily target small and medium-sized businesses in various sectors, including retail and construction. Extortion demands can reach staggering amounts, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
To combat this escalating issue, it is imperative that the federal government reassesses its approach to border security and law enforcement, particularly regarding the recruitment of international students and other temporary residents by these gangs. Alarmingly, reports indicate that some suspects have exploited refugee status to evade deportation, further complicating enforcement efforts.
Moreover, the government must engage directly with business owners to devise effective solutions. Research conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) highlights a pervasive fear among entrepreneurs regarding their safety, indicating that existing security rebate programmes do not adequately address the broader issue. There is also an urgent need for robust whistle-blower protections to encourage victims to report crimes without fear of retribution.
Historical precedents indicate that this is not the first time Canada has faced challenges with extortion linked to South Asian diaspora communities. A similar crisis was documented in 2006, when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam extorted significant sums from Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
Why it Matters
The rise of Indian organised crime in Canada represents a serious national security concern that demands immediate and coordinated action from federal authorities. As these crime syndicates increasingly target vulnerable communities and businesses, the potential for violence and instability grows. Addressing this issue is not only crucial for protecting citizens but also for safeguarding the integrity of local economies and communities across the nation. The time for action is now; without a comprehensive strategy, the grip of these gangs is likely to tighten even further.
