Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
A joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI has revealed significant details about the organized crime networks allegedly operated by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who were once close associates. According to investigation documents, both gangs allegedly recruited minors, economically vulnerable youth, and women to carry out criminal activities.
The report claims that Bishnoi's network, allegedly operated from Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat, targeted minors from economically weaker regions of Punjab. Investigators said the gang exploited juvenile justice provisions by recruiting teenagers who would face comparatively lighter punishment if arrested.
Recruits were reportedly paid minimal amounts for carrying out crimes, while loyal members were allegedly rewarded with fraudulent student or work visas to relocate to the United States and Canada.
According to the 44-page federal indictment filed in a Los Angeles court as part of the FBI's "Operation Hard Ball," social media platforms were extensively used to recruit young people by promising money, identity, and protection.
The indictment further alleges that members of the Bhagwanpuria gang were paid as little as ₹20,000 to execute murder contracts in parts of India.
Investigators also alleged that Bishnoi had delegated the management of his international network to trusted associates.
Goldy Brar was reportedly responsible for operations in North America, while Rohit Godara allegedly oversaw activities across Europe. The U.S. indictment claims the network was involved in cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin trafficking in the United States, hijacking rival drug shipments, and channeling illicit proceeds back to India.
Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Network, Police Officer Also Named in Probe
Separate investigation records linked to Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, currently lodged in Silchar Central Jail in Assam, allege that his associate Mandeep Kaur alias Cheema was used to transport narcotics in the United States.
The investigation documents also name former Tanda police station SHO Gurinderjit Singh Nagra of Hoshiarpur, alleging he conspired with gang members to extort $400,000 from a family in Los Angeles by threatening to implicate their relatives in Punjab in false criminal cases. Nagra has since been transferred to the police lines. His response to the allegations was not immediately available.
Meanwhile, Canada's financial intelligence agency FINTRAC had issued a warning in April stating that financially vulnerable Indian students were allegedly being coerced or lured into violent criminal activities.
The agency identified the Bishnoi and Bambiha gangs among the major criminal networks involved. Canada had earlier designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization on September 29, 2025.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav also warned that gangsters operating from abroad are increasingly using Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms to lure people aged between 18 and 30 into organized crime by offering money and directing them to carry out murders, extortion and other offences.
