With 24 arrests spread across U.S., Canada, and Europe, the law enforcement agencies of the three countries have launched a massive crackdown on Lawrence Bishnoi’s associates, linked with three India-based transnational organised crime groups.
This move assumes significance owing to the charges slapped by law agencies in the U.S., including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), accusing Bishnoi’s gang of orchestrating the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
The mission titled ‘Operation Hard ball’, is a result of years-long federal investigation into Indian crime syndicates that engage in racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, the trafficking of bulk quantities of narcotics across international borders, according to a media release by U.S. Attorney’s office.
Until yet, 37 defendants, including Lawrence Bishnoi, are charged across three indictments unsealed on July 7, 2026. “Those arrested in the United States – 11 in California, one in Indiana, and one in Georgia – are expected to make their initial appearances today in federal court,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
What is Operation Hard ball?
The operation ‘Hard ball’ was a covert mission undertaken by law enforcement agencies in the U.S. shortly after Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. Following Nijjar’s murder in June 2023, the then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused Indian government for orchestrating his murder in Canadian soil. He stated the evidence linking Indian government’s agents with Nijjar’s killings has been shared among the ‘Five Eyes’ Partners. India has categorically rejected Canada’s claims. The United States supported Canada’s investigation and urged India to cooperate, but it did not publicly endorse or independently confirm Canada’s allegation that the Indian government was responsible.
Reaffirming support to the probe, the then U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had said, “I firmly reject the idea that there is a wedge between the United States and Canada. We have deep concerns about the allegations and we would like to see this investigation carried forward and the perpetrators held to account”.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said on Tuesday (July 7, 2026), “The accused individuals prey on people here in the U.S. who still have ties back in India. He said one of the accused, holding a top rank in police force, had threatened a Los Angeles family to pay him $400,000 by falsely charging their relatives in India with murder until they agreed to pay.
Three defendants have been arrested in Canada, one defendant was arrested in Spain, and seven defendants already were in custody prior to today’s law enforcement operation, the FBI told. Law enforcement is looking for 10 fugitives – seven in the United States, two in India, and one in Europe, it added.
How did Operation Hard ball unfold?
The operation led by the law enforcement agencies has seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms. A total of 23 search warrants have been executed in the Sacramento area and 11 warrants have been executed in the Los Angeles area.
“Today’s coordinated operation strikes at the heart of three brutal transnational organizations that have terrorized families, exploited communities, and stolen lives through ruthless acts of violence in the U.S. and abroad,” said Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “We, alongside our partners, remain steadfast in our commitment to identifying these violent organizations, disrupting their activities, and ensuring they face the justice they deserve,” he added.
Moreover, the FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for furnishing information for the arrest of Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar – the “most wanted” gangster. Sharing a post on X, “The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satinderjeet Singh, wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group which is allegedly engaged in a variety of violent acts in Southern California, and across the United States and Canada”.
How has India responded to FBI’s allegations?
Until the last report came in, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not disclosed any official statement in connection with FBI’s allegations.
Published – July 08, 2026 12:34 pm IST
