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New Delhi/Chandigarh, In a significant move against transnational organised crime, Canada on Monday formally designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code, citing its violent activities, intimidation tactics, and threats to members of the Indian diaspora.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made the announcement in Ottawa, saying the listing would provide law enforcement with “powerful and effective tools” to curb the gang’s operations. With this step, Canada now recognises 88 groups as terrorist organisations under its national security framework.
“The Bishnoi gang is not just a criminal network, it is a terrorist organisation that thrives on fear and violence. This designation makes clear Canada will not tolerate their crimes,” Anandasangaree said.
The designation allows Canadian authorities to freeze or seize all property, vehicles, and financial assets linked to the gang. It also makes it a criminal offence for individuals in Canada or Canadians abroad to knowingly provide funds, services, or resources to the outfit.
Officials said the gang has targeted communities, cultural figures, businesses, and prominent individuals through murder, shootings, arson, and extortion. “Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. Today’s decision is about protecting them,” the minister added.
Originating in India, the Bishnoi gang has expanded into a transnational syndicate, with a notable footprint in Canadian regions that have significant Indian-origin populations. Security agencies have long warned that the gang uses fear, extortion, and targeted killings to spread terror, often coordinating across borders to execute its operations.
Beyond enforcement, Canadian officials stressed the move would also help border and immigration authorities make stronger admissibility decisions on individuals linked to the gang, while boosting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s ability to prevent and disrupt terrorism-related crimes.
The designation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Indo-Canadian security ties, with Ottawa under pressure to respond more decisively to threats linked to criminal groups of Indian origin that have increasingly spread their networks overseas.
