US, Canada and Europe Launch Major Crackdown on India-Linked Crime Groups

Authorities in the United States, Canada, and Europe have taken action against alleged criminal groups linked to India as part of an international investigation into organized crime.

According to US prosecutors, 24 suspects with alleged links to three organized crime groups based in India, including the Bishnoi gang, have been arrested. The arrests were made under a joint law enforcement operation involving the United States, Canada, and several European countries.

Prosecutors allege that some of the suspects were involved in planning the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

US officials said the investigation is focused on alleged cross-border criminal activities, including targeted killings, extortion, and drug trafficking.

The case is part of a joint investigation known as Operation Hard Ball, carried out by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

US authorities also accused Gurvinderjit Singh Nagra, an SHO from Tanda, Punjab, of helping gang members extort a family living in the United States. According to the allegations, the family was threatened that false murder cases would be filed against their relatives in India if they did not comply.

Some analysts say the investigation has raised fresh questions about India’s image as a reliable security partner. They argue that the Nijjar case has brought greater attention to allegations of cross-border criminal networks and possible state involvement. India has denied involvement in the killing and rejected similar allegations in the past.

The investigation is continuing, with authorities in several countries working together to examine the alleged activities of the criminal networks.