Charges against 37 members of the Bishnoi group reveal the scale of India-linked criminal organizations around the world

(Brampton, ON: 23 Harh, Nanakshahi 557 | July 7, 2026 CE) – Sikhs across the country are closely
watching the significant law enforcement operation in the US resulting in charges against 37 individuals
linked to organized criminal activity for the Bishnoi network. According to public reporting, the
investigation established direct ties to Indian security forces as well as allegations that the crime
syndicate was linked to orchestrating the June 2023 assassination of Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

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These developments reinforce the gravity of the findings publicly disclosed by the RCMP in October
2024, which identified organized criminal networks as vehicles used by the Government of India to
target pro-Khalistan activists and other members of Sikh and South Asian communities. The scale of the
charges now before the courts suggests that this was not simply a localized criminal enterprise, but part
of a much broader pattern of violence that requires bold and continuous public scrutiny and
institutional accountability.

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The significance of these charges extends beyond organized crime. They once again highlight
fundamental questions regarding the relationship between criminal networks and foreign state-directed
transnational repression by the Government of India. Canadians deserve a complete understanding of
how these criminal acts formed part of a broader campaign intended to advance the strategic
objectives of a foreign government.

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This distinction is particularly important in light of the evidence presented before the Foreign
Interference Commission. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified that individuals associated with the
Government of India were pursuing two objectives by inflicting violence on the Sikh community: creating
fear within South Asian communities while simultaneously attempting to manufacture violence in
Canada in order to reinforce India's longstanding narrative that Canada tolerates unlawful activity. Such
conduct represents not only foreign interference but an unprecedented attempt to manipulate
Canada's domestic security environment through orchestrated violence.

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"The public deserves complete transparency about the full architecture behind these crimes," said Bhai
Moninder Singh, National Spokesperson, Sikh Federation (Canada). “Accountability must extend beyond
those who committed violent offences. Where evidence establishes the involvement of senior Indian
officials or state agencies in directing, facilitating, or supporting criminal activity in Canada, those
responsible must face appropriate legal, diplomatic, and policy consequences consistent with Canadian
law and international obligations. Investigations must follow the evidence wherever it leads. Reframing
transnational repression as ordinary transnational crime risks obscuring the very real threat posed by
the Government of India."

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The Government of Canada must ensure that ongoing criminal prosecutions in this country are
accompanied by meaningful transparency and public accountability. This requires maximum disclosure
regarding the extent of any foreign state involvement in individual crimes. Canadians should not be left
to speculate about the nature of these operations when public confidence depends upon transparency.
The Government of Canada must also explain how immigration and law enforcement actions relating to
organized criminal networks fit within the broader framework of foreign interference investigations.
Where individuals are alleged to have participated in extortion, shootings, arson, or other serious
offences connected to transnational repression, the public has a legitimate interest in understanding
whether investigators have identified links to foreign state actors and what institutional measures are
being taken to dismantle those networks. Rather than simple deportations, those perpetrating violence
in Canada must be prosecuted and sentenced in open court.

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In order to meaningfully address these concerns, the Government of Canada must commit to the
following measures:

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1) Publicly commit to ensuring transparency about Indian transnational repression by ensuring the
maximum public disclosure of any information related to Indian foreign interference and
transnational repression in Canada. If intelligence from Five Eyes partners must be withheld to
protect sources or methods, then public summaries of the information should be provided.

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2) Continue the October 2024 Parliamentary study on “electoral interference and criminal activities in
Canada by agents of the Government of India” and ensure a final report is presented to the House of
Commons.

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3) Commit to establishing an independent public inquiry at the earliest possible time to review the
circumstances leading to Bhai Hardeep SIngh Nijjar’s assassination and any other coercive or violent
activity linked to the agents of the Government of India. The Government can commit to
establishing this inquiry in the near future without jeopardizing ongoing criminal investigations or
prosecutions.

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For media inquiries, please contact: info@sikhfederation.ca.

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