US indicts Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar in Nijjar killing

A massive multi-nation crackdown led by the FBI, Canadian RCMP, and European investigators has targeted India-based organized crime networks, including the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs. Termed Operation Hardball, the raids across 50 global locations resulted in 24 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and weapons. United States court documents allege that Lawrence Bishnoi and his North American associate Goldy Brar orchestrated the June 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite being lodged in an Indian jail, Bishnoi reportedly used contraband mobile phones to direct the killing and manage a sprawling international criminal syndicate. Crucially, Canadian law enforcement clarified that current investigations have found no involvement of the Indian government or its agencies in the assassination, countering previous allegations. The United States is now reportedly considering seeking the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi. The operation highlights the extensive reach of these criminal enterprises involved in political murders, extortions, and international drug smuggling.