Canada Orders Deportation of Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Associate; Student Visa Holder to Be Sent Back to India
TORONTO: In a major crackdown on India-based transnational organised crime networks, Canadian immigration authorities have ordered the deportation of an alleged associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, intensifying action against gang members accused of running extortion and violent crime syndicates across Canada.
Jashandeep Singh, an Indian national who had arrived in Canada on a student visa in 2022, has been ordered deported after Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) found him inadmissible over his alleged links to the Bishnoi gang.
Canadian police described Singh as a "bottom-tier soldier" of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang operating in Edmonton. Investigators alleged that he worked under Arshdeep Singh, a mid-level gang operative who was deported from Canada earlier this year. Police claim Arshdeep reported directly to Goldy Brar, the alleged North American handler of the Bishnoi syndicate.
During the immigration hearing, an Edmonton Police Service officer testified that investigators identified Jashandeep Singh from videos recovered from seized mobile phones.
According to police, Singh was seen holding a handgun that was later used in an extortion-related shooting in Surrey, British Columbia, on May 19, 2025. The officer told the tribunal that Singh pointed the weapon at another man's head before the same firearm was allegedly used in a shooting incident in Edmonton a few hours later.
Police further alleged that Singh later concealed the weapon to prevent its recovery by investigators. During a subsequent search of the residence where he lived with roommates, another firearm was recovered.
Appearing before the tribunal, Singh denied being a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and rejected allegations that he had hidden any weapons.
He claimed the videos were recorded during the birthday celebration of his friend Arshdeep Singh, whom he met while studying in Canada. Singh told the tribunal that he had consumed marijuana gummies and was intoxicated when the videos were filmed, insisting that he was only joking when he picked up the firearm and pointed it at another person.
However, the Immigration and Refugee Board rejected his explanation, observing that his testimony contained "numerous inconsistencies" and ruling that he was not a credible witness.
The case has once again highlighted concerns over the alleged recruitment of Indian students and temporary foreign workers by organised crime groups operating in Canada.
According to police testimony, many members of the Bishnoi gang entered Canada on student or work permits before being drawn into extortion and violent criminal activities.
Edmonton Police detective Kevin St. Louis told the tribunal that every suspect identified during the investigation was either a temporary foreign worker or an international student.
He said the recruits were often newcomers seeking financial support and a sense of belonging, making them vulnerable to recruitment by organised crime networks.
Canadian authorities have formed specialised extortion task forces across several provinces to tackle organised crime groups allegedly targeting members of the South Asian community.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the task forces have launched 484 investigations into extortion-related activities. As of June 18, authorities had issued 139 removal orders, while 81 foreign nationals have already been deported.
Deportation has emerged as a key strategy since many alleged gang operatives are not Canadian citizens.
Operation Hard Ball Targets Bishnoi Network
The deportation comes days after the United States announced sweeping racketeering charges against Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and other alleged gang leaders under Operation Hard Ball, a joint investigation involving law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe.
The charges accuse the gang of running an international criminal enterprise involved in extortion, contract killings and political assassinations. Among the allegations is the murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, though Canadian authorities have clarified that the Nijjar murder remains the subject of a separate ongoing investigation.
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat, and his close aide Goldy Brar have been accused of directing extortion operations targeting businessmen in Canada through WhatsApp, allegedly using students and temporary workers to carry out shootings and arson attacks.
Appeal for One More Chance
During the hearing, Jashandeep Singh expressed remorse for his actions, saying his parents had taken loans to send him to Canada in the hope of securing him a better future.
"When I saw the videos, I myself wondered what I was doing," Singh told the tribunal.
"My parents borrowed money to send me here. They had many hopes and dreams for me. I do not want to destroy those dreams. I made a foolish mistake. I should be given one chance."
Despite his plea, the Immigration and Refugee Board upheld the deportation order, paving the way for his removal from Canada.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
