International News: The pressure is mounting on the Canadian federal government to take firm action against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, an Indian-origin criminal organization reportedly operating in Canada. Danielle Smith, the Premier of Alberta, has formally requested that the gang be designated as a terrorist group, a move that would grant additional powers to law enforcement agencies to combat its operations more effectively.
A Global Criminal Network
Premier Smith, in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, described the gang as a global criminal enterprise responsible for violent crimes, extortion, drug smuggling, and targeted killings. She stressed that its influence extends well beyond India, reaching into Canada as well.
“This gang respects no borders. Its activities are global and dangerous,” Smith said. “Alberta wants to make it clear—this gang is not welcome here.” She believes that officially declaring it a terrorist organization will help local and provincial law enforcement gain access to tools and resources necessary to disrupt the gang’s activities and protect Canadian citizens.
Backed by Other Canadian Leaders
This isn’t the first time Canadian officials have raised concerns. In June, British Columbia Premier David Eby called on the federal government to take similar action. He alleged that the Bishnoi gang has been targeting South Asian communities in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario through extortion and violence.
Similarly, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke supported the idea of designating the gang as a terrorist group, saying such a move would help law enforcement dismantle organized crime networks that threaten residents and businesses.
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.
We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and… pic.twitter.com/wYwdAx3pfT
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) July 15, 2025India’s Repeated Warnings to Canada
The Government of India has also urged Canada to act against criminal groups like the Bishnoi gang. One of the key figures associated with the network, Goldy Brar, is wanted in India for his alleged role in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. India has repeatedly asked Canada to take action against Brar and others allegedly involved in cross-border organized crime.
Bishnoi’s Reach Beyond Bars
Though Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Sabarmati Central Jail in India, authorities claim that he continues to manage gang activities from behind bars. His name has been linked to planned assassinations, extortion rackets, and drug trade, not just in India but internationally as well.
Indian intelligence agencies say that Bishnoi’s network is active in Canada, where it allegedly uses fear and intimidation to influence immigrant communities.
Will Canada Take Action?
Now that leaders from at least three Canadian provinces have openly demanded action, all eyes are on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration. If Canada decides to officially label the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization, it could lead to stronger enforcement measures and send a clear message against organized crime. Such a step could also mark a turning point in Canada–India relations, which have seen tensions over the issue of criminal networks operating abroad.
