Canada declares Lawrence Bishnoi gang 'terrorist entity'
What's the story
The Canadian government has officially declared the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a "terrorist entity" under its Criminal Code. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the designation on Monday. The move gives Canadian law enforcement the authority to freeze or seize any assets owned by the group in Canada, including vehicles and money. This also empowers authorities to prosecute gang members for offenses related to financing, travel, and recruitment for terrorist activities.
Enhanced prosecution
Canada takes action against Bishnoi gang
The Canadian government has said that the designation will enhance the ability of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to tackle crimes committed by the Bishnoi gang. It also prohibits Canadians from providing financial support or assistance to the group. The move comes after a Canadian MP, Frank Caputo, urged Anandasangaree to designate Bishnoi as a terrorist entity, citing his extensive criminal empire and involvement in assassinations and extortion of Canadian citizens.
Criminal activities
Gang linked to several high-profile murders
The Bishnoi gang has been linked to several high-profile murders, including that of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022. Other notable cases include the December 2023 murder of Rajput leader Sukhdev Gogamedi and the October 2024 killing of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique. The gang was also involved in an attack on Bollywood star Salman Khan's home in April 2025, allegedly over a blackbuck case.
Diplomatic tensions
Nijjar's killing sparked India-Canada diplomatic row
The international credentials of the Bishnoi gang were highlighted with the killing of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Nijjar in June 2023. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was killed in a manner that sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Global News reported a former Canadian Security and Intelligence Service official claiming that Nijjar's murder was carried out by the Bishnoi gang. Canada's then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement.
Diplomatic recovery
Canada has linked Bishnoi gang to arms, drug trafficking
Despite the tensions, Canada-India relations have been slowly recovering since Trudeau's removal as Prime Minister. The Canadian government has often named the Bishnoi gang as one of the most nefarious criminal syndicates in the country and linked it to arms and drug trafficking. British Columbia Premier David Eby, Alberta counterpart Danielle Smith, and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke also called for action against Lawrence Bishnoi's gang.