Canada has officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code, citing the group’s involvement in murder, extortion, and intimidation.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the decision on Monday, stating that the gang poses a serious threat to diaspora communities and public safety.
The designation empowers Canadian law enforcement to freeze or seize any assets linked to the gang, including property, vehicles, and financial holdings. It also strengthens legal tools for prosecuting terrorism-related offenses, such as financing, recruitment, and travel.
The Bishnoi gang, named after its leader Lawrence Bishnoi, is primarily based in India but has extended its operations into Canada, particularly in areas with large South Asian populations. Authorities allege the group has orchestrated shootings, arson, and widespread extortion campaigns targeting prominent community members and businesses.
“This gang creates a climate of fear and insecurity,” the Canadian government stated, emphasizing its commitment to protecting communities from transnational criminal networks. Minister Anandasangaree echoed this sentiment on social media, writing, “Violence, terror, and the intimidation of communities will never be tolerated in Canada.”
The move reflects growing international scrutiny of the Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to multiple high-profile crimes in India and abroad. Canadian officials say the designation is part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime and safeguard multicultural communities from targeted violence.
