The Canadian government has officially listed the Bishnoi gang, led by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as a terrorist entity on Sunday. The move comes after mounting pressure from Conservative and NDP lawmakers, amid growing concerns over the gang’s activities within Canada. The designation prohibits Canadians from providing any financial or material support to the group. Authorities will now have the power to seize assets and freeze accounts linked to the gang.
Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, while announcing the decision stated that acts of terror and intimidation have no place in Canada. “Groups that use fear, violence, and extortion to target communities must be held accountable,” he added.
The government in its release stated: “As a now-listed entity, the Bishnoi Gang has met the definition of a “terrorist group” under Canada’s Criminal Code. A terrorist listing means anything owned by that group in Canada, property, vehicles, money can be frozen or seized and gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment. For example, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. It is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide property knowing that it will be used by or benefit a terrorist group. The Criminal Code listing can also be used by immigration and border officials to inform decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.”
The Canadian government, in its official notification, has noted Bishnoi gang’s active presence in the country. “The Bishnoi Gang engages in murder, shootings and arson, and generates terror through extortion and intimidation. They create a climate of insecurity in these communities by targeting them, their prominent community members, businesses, and cultural figures. Listing the Bishnoi Gang will help Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combatting their crimes and making communities safer,” added the statement.
Lawrence Bishnoi, who is reportedly directing operations from inside an Indian prison, is accused of orchestrating a range of violent crimes and extortion schemes in the country. In 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had alleged that the Bishnoi gang had been used by Indian authorities to target Canadian citizens, particularly those advocating for Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state.
The allegations levelled by RCMP were strongly denied by India, stating it has been cooperating with Canada to disrupt the gang’s financial operations and curb its influence. Government officials say the terror designation will strengthen efforts to protect members of the Indian diaspora in Canada, who have been increasingly targeted.
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