Toronto: The Canadian province of Alberta has joined British Columbia (BC) in urging the federal government to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its alleged involvement in extortion, violence, and targeted killings across multiple provinces.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said:
“The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent.”
They asserted that a formal terror designation would empower provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies by providing enhanced legal tools and resources to disrupt the gang’s activities and better protect public safety.
This appeal follows a similar request made in June by BC Premier David Eby, reflecting a growing concern among Canadian provincial leaders over the gang’s presence and influence.
Canadian Federal Government’s Stance
Last week, Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree addressed the media, acknowledging the concerns but noted that a legal threshold must be met before any group can be labelled a terrorist organisation. He added that the matter was under active review by law enforcement agencies.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly been linked to extortion attempts in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. However, in a twist, CBC News recently reported that suspects arrested in Edmonton in connection with extortion were associated with a different outfit — the Brothers Keepers gang, a BC-origin criminal group.
Mixed Signals From Canadian Authorities
A spokesperson for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), Corporal Sarbjit Sangha, stated that the Bishnoi gang is not currently listed in their database of major organized crime groups active in the province.
“So far, I don’t believe I’ve seen any evidence that would tell us that the person you’ve named (Lawrence Bishnoi) has any connection with the groups that are working here, involved with drug-trafficking, firearm trafficking. This person’s name has not come forward,” Sangha told News Derby in Punjabi.
However, she clarified that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is leading a separate federal investigation into extortion-related activities to which the Bishnoi gang has been linked. Her unit is not directly handling the Bishnoi case.
India’s Call for Action
The Indian government has formally requested Canada to act against members of the Bishnoi gang, including Goldy Brar (Satinderjeet Singh), who is wanted in India in connection with the 2022 murder of singer-politician Sidhu Moose Wala.
Goldy Brar is believed to be operating from Canadian soil and has been named in multiple Indian investigations involving targeted killings and transnational criminal operations allegedly coordinated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Background
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, originating from India, has evolved into a transnational criminal syndicate, extending its alleged influence to countries like Canada and the United States. Its reported activities include drug trafficking, contract killings, firearm smuggling, and extortion operations targeting Indian-origin business owners and community members abroad.
Despite growing pressure from provincial leaders and India’s diplomatic efforts, Canada has yet to formally recognize the group as a terrorist organisation.