The United States has announced a major international crackdown under Operation Hard Ball, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects linked to three India-based transnational organised crime groups. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) also unsealed three indictments against 37 accused, including jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Goldy Brar, alleging involvement in organised crime, extortion, narcotics trafficking, targeted killings, and the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Key Takeaways: US Operation Hard Ball Against Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
- US-led Operation Hard Ball resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects across the United States, Canada and Europe.
- The DOJ unsealed three indictments against 37 defendants linked to three India-based organised crime syndicates.
- Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar have been accused of ordering the June 18, 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
- The FBI placed Goldy Brar on its Most Wanted list and announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
- Authorities seized about 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin, around $40,000 in cash, and approximately a dozen firearms during the investigation.
US Announces International Crackdown Under Operation Hard Ball
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles said the arrests were the outcome of a years-long investigation targeting Indian organised crime syndicates allegedly involved in racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, international narcotics trafficking and other criminal activities affecting communities in North America.
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The investigation was carried out jointly by the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), US Customs and Border Protection, and other law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe.
Arrests, Indictments and Search Operations
According to the US Department of Justice:
| Action | Details |
| Arrests | 24 suspects |
| Total accused | 37 defendants |
| Indictments | Three separate indictments |
| Search warrants | 23 in Sacramento and 11 in Los Angeles |
| Fugitives sought | 10 (seven in the US, two in India and one in Europe) |
Authorities said 11 of the arrests took place in California.
Bishnoi and Goldy Brar Accused in Nijjar Killing
One indictment alleges that Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat, and his associate Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar ordered the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, identified in the indictment as H.S.N.
According to prosecutors, Nijjar was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Nijjar, 45, was killed by two masked gunmen in the parking area outside Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, about 30 kilometres east of Vancouver. He publicly supported the demand for Khalistan.
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Canadian authorities arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the case in 2024. The killing later became the centre of a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and India. The US indictment does not accuse the Government of India.
FBI Announces Reward for Goldy Brar
The FBI added Goldy Brar to its Most Wanted list and announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
While Goldy Brar remains a fugitive, Lawrence Bishnoi has been lodged in an Indian jail since 2015. Canada listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity last year, giving authorities powers to freeze assets and block financial resources linked to the group.
Allegations Against the Bishnoi Enterprise
According to the indictment, the Bishnoi enterprise allegedly targeted prominent religious, political and social leaders through acts of violence and then used those incidents to intimidate communities and extort money.
Prosecutors alleged that Bishnoi, Brar, Rohit Godara and others demanded $5 million from a victim in Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks during December 2025 and January 2026 through WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging platforms.
The indictment also alleged that the enterprise funded its activities through international drug trafficking and theft of narcotics from rival gangs.
It stated that:
- In November 2024, authorities intercepted 49 kilograms of cocaine intended for transport from the United States to Canada.
- Between March 2024 and July 2025, the syndicate allegedly stole approximately 520 kilograms of cocaine from rival drug trafficking groups in the greater Los Angeles area.
Separate Charges Against Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda
A second indictment charged Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and 16 associates with operating a criminal enterprise involved in murder-for-hire, kidnappings, extortion, weapons trafficking and international drug trafficking.
Prosecutors also alleged that one associate threatened a victim before providing the victim’s identity to a corrupt Punjab police officer, who then falsely implicated the victim and family members in a January 2026 murder case to facilitate extortion.
A third indictment charged Ravinder Singh Dhanda of Vancouver and 10 others with transporting, smuggling and distributing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine from the United States into Canada each week.
Drugs, Cash and Weapons Seized During Investigation
Law enforcement agencies said investigators seized:
- Approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine
- 1 kilogram of heroin
- Around $40,000 in cash
- Approximately 12 firearms
The seizures were made during the investigation that culminated in Operation Hard Ball.
US Officials Outline the Objective of the Operation
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said transnational criminal organisations spreading fear, drugs and violence would face the full force of federal law enforcement.
He added that authorities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia were working together to dismantle these organisations and that “there is no safe harbor for these thugs.”
FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Patrick Grandy said the coordinated operation targeted organisations that had terrorised communities through violent criminal activity and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disrupting such networks.
The announcement was made during a news conference attended by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme.
What the Investigation Highlights
The coordinated action reflects a multi-country effort against organised crime networks allegedly involved in extortion, drug trafficking, targeted killings and other cross-border criminal activities. Through Operation Hard Ball, US authorities have expanded legal action against multiple India-linked criminal enterprises while continuing to pursue fugitives named in the indictments.
Justice, Truth and Inner Values
Operations against organised crime highlight the importance of justice, accountability, and lawful conduct in society. Alongside legal enforcement, many spiritual traditions emphasise that lasting peace begins with righteous actions and moral values.
Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that true spiritual Knowledge encourages individuals to live honestly, avoid violence, and follow the path of truth and compassion. Such values promote harmony within families and communities while complementing the rule of law.
For more information visit our:
Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
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Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
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FAQs on US Operation Hard Ball Against Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Q1. What is Operation Hard Ball?
It is a US-led international operation targeting India-linked organised crime syndicates.
Q2. How many people were arrested?
Authorities announced the arrest of 24 suspects across multiple countries.
Q3. Why were Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar charged?
US prosecutors accused them of ordering Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s 2023 killing.
Q4. What did investigators seize?
About 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, cash and approximately 12 firearms.
Q5. Which agencies participated in the investigation?
The FBI, DOJ, LAPD, RCMP, US Customs and Border Protection, and other international law enforcement agencies participated.
