Punjab Newsline | Washington/New Delhi
In a major international crackdown on organized crime linked to Punjab-based gangster syndicates, the United States has, for the first time, filed organized crime charges against Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, Rohit Godara and several of their alleged associates.
According to the US Department of Justice, the criminal network operated from India while extending its activities across the United States, Canada and Europe. Investigators allege that the syndicate was involved in drug trafficking, extortion, illegal arms trafficking and other organized criminal activities.
The indictment also references an alleged conspiracy related to the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. US investigators claim that Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were allegedly linked to the conspiracy. However, there has been no official response from the accused or their representatives regarding these allegations.
Investigators further allege that Lawrence Bishnoi continued to direct the criminal network despite being lodged in an Indian prison. According to the charges, associates based in multiple countries allegedly carried out criminal operations under his instructions. Goldy Brar has been identified as the alleged head of the network in North America, while Rohit Godara is accused of overseeing operations in Europe.
On July 7, the US Department of Justice conducted coordinated enforcement operations across the United States, Canada and Europe, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals. Criminal charges have been filed against a total of 37 accused persons.
Authorities said raids at nearly 50 locations led to the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and multiple firearms. The Justice Department stated that the operation was the result of a years-long international investigation targeting transnational organized crime.
The action is considered significant for Punjab, where the names of Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria have been linked to gang rivalries, extortion rackets and several high-profile criminal cases. Following the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, the activities of these networks came under increased scrutiny from investigative agencies in India as well as authorities in Canada and the United States.
The latest indictments mark the first time that US courts have formally pursued organized crime charges against members of these Punjab-linked gangster syndicates, signaling an intensified international legal effort against transnational criminal networks.
