Bishnoi gang operating on 'directions of Indian government', says Canadian report
PTC News Desk: An Indian gang accused of extortion and contract killings in Canada has been “acting on behalf of the Indian government,” according to an RCMP document obtained by Global News.
The report, prepared by the RCMP’s national security division, mentions the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s alleged links to the Indian government several times within just three pages. The classified assessment, shared internally last year, analyses the gang’s expanding influence in Canada. A copy was released to Global News under the Access to Information Act.
“The Bishnoi Crime Group is known to use violence to further their criminal enterprise, while acting on behalf of the Indian government,” said the briefing, marked “Protected A.”
According to the report, the Bishnoi group is a violent criminal network operating in several countries, including Canada. The gang is motivated by money—not politics or religion—and is involved in extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering and contract killings. The report does not have a date, but it references B.C. Premier David Eby’s June 17, 2025 statement urging the federal government to officially label the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation.
The RCMP released the report on the same day Premier Eby began a Jan. 12–17 trade trip to India. Prime Minister Mark Carney is also expected to visit India later this year.
These diplomatic efforts are part of Canada’s strategy to broaden its trade ties and reduce dependence on the United States, especially as President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies continue to create economic uncertainty.
“The RCMP and the government of Canada are clearly aware that the Bishnoi gang is operating in coordination with the government of India to target individuals in Canada,” said Balpreet Singh, the World Sikh Organization of Canada spokesperson.
- With inputs from agencies
