The United States Department of Justice on Friday announced sweeping action against alleged members and associates linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara gangs, in what is being described as the largest coordinated crackdown yet on an organised crime network of Indian origin.

The multinational operation, codenamed 'Operation Hard Ball', was carried out jointly by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe, leading to the arrest of 24 accused. US federal prosecutors have also filed three separate indictments against a total of 37 individuals, alleging their involvement in a wide-ranging transnational criminal enterprise.

Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar named in indictments

Notably, among those named in the indictments are jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his close associate Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and several other alleged gang members.

Network spanned multiple continents

According to the US police’s investigation, the criminal syndicates extended far beyond India, with alleged operations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Prosecutors claim the network was involved in a broad spectrum of organised crimes, including contract killings, extortion, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, kidnapping, human trafficking and money laundering.

24 held, 10 accused still at large

As part of the operation, the cops swooped down on 13 accused in the United States; 11 in California, one in Indiana and one in Georgia. Authorities also arrested three accused in Canada and one in Spain, while seven others were already in custody in separate criminal cases.

Investigators said 10 accused remain absconding, including seven believed to be in the United States, two in India and one elsewhere in Europe.

Drugs, arms and cash seized

During the coordinated raids, investigators seized nearly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, USD 40,000 in cash and 12 firearms. Simultaneous search operations were also carried out at 23 locations in Sacramento and 11 locations in the Los Angeles region as part of the probe. The indictment alleges that Bishnoi (33), despite being lodged in an Indian prison for several years, continued to direct the activities of his criminal organisation from behind bars.

According to US prosecutors, Bishnoi allegedly used smuggled mobile phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to communicate with associates and issue operational instructions.

The indictment accuses him of planning or directing murders, political assassinations, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human trafficking and armed attacks.

Cops allege social media was used for recruitment

US authorities further allege that Bishnoi cultivated an image of himself as a nationalist, religious figure and philanthropist through social media posts and media interviews.

Investigators claim this public image was used to recruit young followers in India, the United States and other countries into the alleged criminal network.

Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara named as overseas commanders

According to prosecutors, Goldy Brar served as the gang's principal operational commander in North America, while Rohit Godara allegedly oversaw operations in Europe.

Both are accused of acting as Bishnoi's trusted lieutenants, implementing his instructions and coordinating violent activities across multiple jurisdictions. The indictment also refers to the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, alleging that the murder was ordered by Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar.

In addition, prosecutors allege that the gang claimed responsibility for the November 2023 shooting at the residence of a prominent Indian actor and singer living in Canada, followed by the circulation of threatening messages on social media. These allegations form part of the prosecution's case and remain subject to judicial scrutiny. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Drug trafficking financed global operations

Federal investigators allege that international narcotics trafficking was the syndicate's primary source of income.

The indictment cites the seizure of 49 kilograms of cocaine being transported from the United States to Canada in November 2024. It also alleges that between March 2024 and July 2025, the Bishnoi network robbed rival traffickers of approximately 520 kilograms of cocaine, using the proceeds to expand its criminal operations.

Separate charges levelled against Bhagwanpuria, Canadian network

A second indictment names Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and 16 associates, alleging that the organisation has more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including over 100 active members in the United States. The group faces allegations ranging from murder and contract killings to drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and arms smuggling.

US prosecutors also allege that members of the network exploited corrupt police and government officials in India by orchestrating false criminal cases against rivals before demanding money to settle the disputes.

A third indictment charges Ravinder Singh Dhanda, also known as Randy, Rolex and John Wick, along with 11 others, alleging they smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine each week from the United States into Canada by concealing narcotics inside long-haul and agricultural transport vehicles.