Ottawa cites targeted violence and intimidation against specific communities in its designation decision.
The Canadian government has officially classified the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, as announced in a press release on Monday. Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster originating from Punjab, is currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail. His group has been implicated in various criminal activities, with Canadian authorities alleging connections between his gang and agents of the Indian government aimed at orchestrating violence across North America.
In its statement, Ottawa emphasized that acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, particularly when they target specific communities to instill fear and intimidation. The government noted that the Bishnoi Gang meets the criteria for a terrorist group under Canada’s Criminal Code. This designation allows for the freezing or seizure of any property, vehicles, or funds associated with the gang within Canadian borders.
Furthermore, the listing enhances the capabilities of Canadian law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenses related to terrorism, including those involving financing, travel, and recruitment. The press release underscored that it is a criminal offense for individuals in Canada, or Canadians abroad, to knowingly engage with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. Additionally, it is unlawful to provide property, either directly or indirectly, with the knowledge that it will benefit such a group.
The classification of the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity also has implications for immigration and border officials, who can utilize the Criminal Code listing to determine the admissibility of individuals seeking entry into Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
In its characterization of the Bishnoi Gang on the terrorist entities list, the Canadian government alleged that it functions as a transnational criminal organization primarily based in India. The group reportedly has a presence in Canada, particularly within communities that have a significant diaspora. Allegations against the gang include involvement in murder, shootings, arson, extortion, and intimidation, with claims that they foster a climate of insecurity within these diaspora communities.
Ottawa stated that the decision to list the Bishnoi Gang would aid Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combating their criminal activities and enhancing community safety. This designation follows a request made by British Columbia Premier David Eby in June, who urged the federal government to take action against the gang amid rising extortion cases linked to its operations across various provinces.
Additionally, the designation comes shortly after a meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in Delhi. The Indian National Investigation Agency had previously accused Bishnoi of managing a “terror syndicate” from prison, with activities extending to Canada via local associates. The Mumbai Police have also connected him to the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, which occurred in October 2024, as well as the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala on May 29, 2022.
