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In a significant international law enforcement operation, U.S.

Published July 8, 2026 at 1:13 PM UTC

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In a significant international law enforcement operation, U.S. authorities have charged Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of an Indian crime syndicate, with orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh independence activist in Canada. Nijjar was fatally shot outside a temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, an event that severely strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The U.S. Attorney announced that 37 individuals linked to three Indian international crime syndicates were charged with various crimes, including murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. The operation involved authorities from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Bishnoi is currently in custody, but his co-accused, Satinderjeet Singh, remains at large. The syndicates reportedly used intimidation and targeted prominent figures for financial gain and maintained corrupt ties with Indian officials. The investigation also uncovered criminal activities coordinated even from within detention facilities and highlighted the syndicates' reach across countries including the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K. Officials hailed the operation as a key example of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.