Authorities have announced a major development in the fight against transnational criminal gangs based in India. These groups are accused of carrying out serious crimes, including extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping and targeted killings.
The investigation also includes allegations connected to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, three years ago.
Arrests Made in Canada, the U.S. and Spain
The crackdown was carried out through joint action by the RCMP and the FBI.
As part of the operation, police arrested three people in British Columbia, 13 people in the United States, and one person in Spain.
The arrests mark a significant step in an investigation that has taken several years.
Accused Leaders Already in Indian Prisons
Authorities said seven other accused men are already in prison in India.
These include alleged leaders of criminal syndicates who are accused of directing violent crimes from behind bars.
Police allege that these imprisoned figures continued ordering criminal activity around the world, often targeting members of the Indian diaspora.
Crimes Allegedly Targeted Indian Communities Abroad
The gangs are accused of using violence and intimidation to carry out crimes in multiple countries.
Their alleged activities include extortion, drug trafficking, kidnappings and targeted attacks.
Investigators say the networks often focused on people connected to Indian communities outside India.
Nijjar Killing Part of Wider Investigation
The case also includes allegations linked to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist who was killed in Surrey, B.C.
His death became a major international issue and drew attention to concerns about organized crime, foreign interference and targeted violence.
RCMP Calls It Important for Public Safety
According to reporting by Jackson Proskow, the RCMP described the breakthrough as an important moment for public safety in Canada.
The investigation reflects growing concern about criminal networks that operate across borders and allegedly direct violence internationally.
The RCMP and FBI operation represents a major step in targeting India-based transnational crime groups accused of serious violence and organized criminal activity.
With arrests in B.C., the U.S. and Spain, along with several accused leaders already imprisoned in India, authorities say the investigation has disrupted networks linked to extortion, trafficking, kidnapping and targeted killings, including allegations connected to Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder.