U.S. prosecutors arrest 24 suspects tied to India-based crime groups

U.S. prosecutors announced the arrest of 24 suspects across the United States, Canada and Europe in connection with three India-based organized crime groups. The charges include orchestrating the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a temple in Surrey, British Columbia, as well as extortion and drug trafficking.

Investigation details Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles said the arrests resulted from a multi-year investigation into Indian crime syndicates operating worldwide. In total, 37 defendants face charges across three indictments unsealed on Tuesday. "Transnational criminal gangs who spread fear, drugs, and violence will face the full force of justice and the weight of the federal government," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli in a statement.

Additional seizures Law enforcement officers also seized about 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms during the operation. The FBI, Los Angeles police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and U.S. Customs and Border officials took part in the investigation.

Canada listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity last year, allowing authorities to seize property and freeze assets linked to the group.