A major international law enforcement operation has targeted three India-based transnational organised crime groups accused of involvement in assassinations, extortion, drug trafficking and violent crimes affecting diaspora communities across North America, Europe and other regions.
Dubbed “Operation Hard Ball”, the coordinated action by law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada and Europe resulted in the arrest of 24 defendants, including 11 in California, as authorities moved against alleged criminal networks operating across multiple countries.
The US Department of Justice announced that 37 defendants have been charged across three indictments linked to alleged racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, narcotics trafficking and other offences.
The operation involved the FBI, Los Angeles Police Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), US Customs and Border Protection and other international partners.
Authorities said the investigation targeted criminal organisations that allegedly used violence and intimidation to control victims and expand their influence, particularly among Indian diaspora communities.
“The true measure of this operation isn’t found in the arrests or the seizures alone,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “It’s found in what they represent: a united commitment between the LAPD and our federal and international partners to relentlessly pursue those who threaten our communities.”
The US authorities said law enforcement agencies seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, $40,000 in cash and 12 firearms during the operation. A total of 23 search warrants were executed in the Sacramento area and 11 in the Los Angeles area.
One of the indictments relates to the alleged criminal enterprise led by Lawrence Bishnoi, a jailed Indian gangster accused by US prosecutors of directing a global network involved in violence, extortion, drug trafficking and other crimes.
Canadian authorities designated the Bishnoi enterprise as a terrorist entity in September 2025.
The indictment also names Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, as an alleged North American leader of the Bishnoi enterprise.
The FBI said Singh is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group, which investigators allege has been involved in assassinations, shootings, murders, kidnappings, extortion, assaults, narcotics trafficking and weapons offences across the United States and Canada.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Singh on 1 July 2026 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. He has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, attempted extortion and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
A separate indictment targets the alleged criminal enterprise linked to Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, another Punjab-based gangster accused by US prosecutors of operating a transnational network involved in murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and weapons trafficking.
The third indictment relates to an alleged drug trafficking network accused of transporting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine between the United States and Canada.
US authorities said 10 fugitives remain wanted, including seven in the United States, two in India and one in Europe. “Transnational criminal gangs who spread fear, drugs and violence will face the full force of justice and the weight of the federal government,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
“Working together, law enforcement in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia are determined to target and dismantle these criminal organisations wherever they operate.”
Authorities emphasised that the charges are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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