24 Arrested in International Operation Against India-Based Crime Syndicates

08/07/2026

Los Angeles, Jul 8: U.S., Canadian and European law enforcement agencies arrested 24 people in a coordinated crackdown on India-based organized crime groups, including syndicates linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda, authorities said.

The operation, called “Operation Hard Ball,” is part of a years-long federal investigation into racketeering, targeted killings, extortion, kidnappings and international drug trafficking tied to the groups. Prosecutors said 37 defendants have been charged in three federal indictments, with arrests made in California, Indiana, Georgia, Canada and Spain.

One indictment accuses Bishnoi and Brar of ordering the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, while another targets Bhagwanpuria’s network for extortion, drug trafficking and firearms crimes. Officials also said the probe uncovered large drug seizures, including about 1,000 kg of cocaine and 1 kg of heroin.

Authorities said 10 fugitives remain at large, while defendants arrested in the U.S. are expected to appear in federal court.