Premier David Eby calls on Ottawa to label India’s Bishnoi gang a terrorist group amid growing extortion threats targeting South Asian businesses in Canada.
Bishnoi Gang in Canada Sparks National Security Concerns
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced Tuesday he will formally request that the federal government designate India’s Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization in Canada. The move follows growing concerns about extortion and violence linked to the gang, particularly targeting South Asian business owners in cities like Surrey, B.C.
The Bishnoi gang, based in northern India and led by imprisoned figure Lawrence Bishnoi, is believed to be expanding its criminal activities into Canada, prompting fears over public safety and cross-border crime networks.
Bishnoi Gang Linked to Surrey Extortion Cases
According to Surrey police, there have been at least 10 extortion reports tied to the Bishnoi gang over the last six months. Victims have been threatened with violence or death unless they pay large sums of money.
Chief Constable Norm Lipinski confirmed that some investigations “go beyond borders,” underscoring the international nature of the criminal enterprise. Community members say the threats have become more brazen and frequent in recent weeks.
Premier Eby Seeks Federal Terrorist Designation
Eby said the terror label would allow law enforcement to use more aggressive tools to disrupt the gang’s operations in Canada. “This is an issue of huge concern,” he said, pointing to gang-related activity not only in B.C., but also in Alberta and Ontario.
He cited past precedent where Canada designated foreign cartels like Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation as terrorist entities to combat fentanyl trafficking and organized violence.
South Asian Businesses Face Escalating Threats
At a recent public safety forum in Surrey, local business leaders shared personal stories of targeted extortion. Satish Kumar, a well-known entrepreneur, revealed he was threatened for $2 million and that his businesses had been shot at three times in a matter of weeks.
Many attendees called on authorities to do more, warning that fear is paralyzing parts of the South Asian community and forcing victims into silence.
How the Bishnoi Gang Operates Internationally
Canadian police sources say the Bishnoi gang is one of several Indian crime syndicates making inroads in North America. Indian media describe the gang’s main revenue source as extortion, both domestically and abroad.
Founder Lawrence Bishnoi has been imprisoned in India since 2014 but continues to operate through a network of associates. His group has been tied to numerous criminal activities in India and is now suspected of coordinating threats and violence in Canadian cities with large South Asian populations.
Ottawa Yet to Respond to Premier’s Request
Premier Eby will send a formal letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney in the coming days. As of now, there has been no official response from the federal government. The request for a terrorist designation is expected to trigger a national review of criminal networks operating within Canada’s borders and how they are influenced by international gangs.
The growing presence of the Bishnoi gang signals a broader challenge for Canadian authorities—balancing domestic safety while navigating international criminal influence.
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