The United States has intensified its crackdown on the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime network by announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitive gangster Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, even as authorities across the US, Canada and Europe launched coordinated raids targeting India-linked criminal syndicates.

The latest action comes after US prosecutors charged Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with allegedly ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistani separatist who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

Also Read | Petrol, diesel prices today: Check rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata as Brent oil jumps

Nijjar’s killing triggered a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged there were “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the murder. India has consistently rejected the allegation. Nijjar had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government.

FBI launches global crackdown under Operation Hardball

The allegations made against Bishnoi and Brar come at a time when there is an operation called Hardball that has been launched by law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In its news release, the FBI stated that 24 suspects linked to three India-based criminal organisations, namely the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the Bhagwanpuria gang, and the Dhanda gang, have been arrested.

Among the arrested individuals, 13 were detained in the United States; out of them, 11 were arrested in California, one in Indiana and another one in Georgia. Furthermore, three people were detained in Canada and one person was arrested in Spain.

There are 10 individuals whom the investigators are looking for, seven of them are in the United States, two in India and one in Europe.

FBI announces reward for Goldy Brar

As part of the ongoing manhunt, the FBI announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Goldy Brar’s arrest.

In its statement, the FBI said Brar is wanted for his alleged role in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organised Crime Group, which it alleges is involved in violent crimes across Southern California, the United States and Canada.

Also Read | Diamonds, gold and a robotic arm: What’s flying aboard India’s Vikram-1 rocket?

According to the agency, Brar is facing charges under RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, and conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Investigation is still on and the police are in pursuit of other suspects involved in the transnational criminal organisation.

FAQs

Why is FBI offering a $50,000 reward for Goldy Brar?

FBI has issued a reward in exchange for any information that can help the arrest of Goldy Brar who has been charged with being part of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group and the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

What is Operation Hardball?

It is a joint law enforcement action that has involved agencies in the US, Canada and Europe where they targeted three Indian crime groups, including Lawrence Bishnoi group.