LOS ANGELES — U.S. federal authorities have announced sweeping criminal charges against 37 individuals accused of participating in transnational organized crime networks with alleged ties to India. The charges, unveiled through three federal indictments in Los Angeles, stem from a years-long multinational investigation dubbed Operation Hard Ball.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the defendants are accused of operating sophisticated criminal enterprises involved in murder, extortion, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and racketeering across North America. Prosecutors allege the organizations relied on international networks to coordinate violent crimes and move large quantities of narcotics across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Officials said the investigation uncovered a highly organized structure in which imprisoned gang leaders allegedly continued directing criminal operations through contraband communication devices. During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that at least 15 of those arrested in the United States are in the country illegally.
Alleged Bishnoi Enterprise
Federal prosecutors identified Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, as the alleged leader of one of the principal criminal organizations. Authorities claim Bishnoi continued managing the syndicate from prison in India using smuggled cellphones.
Investigators allege Bishnoi worked closely with his North American associate, Satinderjeet Singh, also known as “Goldy Brar,” to oversee violent operations abroad. Among the most serious allegations is the June 18, 2023, killing of a prominent Indian religious and political figure identified in court documents only as “H.S.N.,” who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Officials said the incident later contributed to Canada’s decision to designate the organization as a terrorist entity in September 2025.
Rival Gang and Corruption Allegations
Authorities also charged members of the rival Bhagwanpuria gang, which prosecutors describe as a transnational organization involved in murder-for-hire plots, firearms trafficking, and extortion.
The group’s alleged leader, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, is accused of directing operations from prison while collaborating with corrupt officials in India to pressure victims living abroad. Prosecutors allege gang members used fabricated criminal cases against relatives in India as leverage to extort families residing in California.
Among those charged is Gunder Preet Singh, an active police chief in India, who allegedly attempted to extort $400,000 from a Los Angeles family by threatening to file false murder charges against their relatives.
In a separate allegation, Gurudev Singh is accused of continuing extortion efforts while detained in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility by using unauthorized communication methods.
Drug Smuggling Network
Federal investigators say the criminal organizations financed their activities through an extensive drug trafficking network stretching across North America.
According to prosecutors, Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly used the alias “John Wick,” coordinated international transportation of cocaine and methamphetamine through commercial semi-trucks moving between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine, approximately one kilogram of heroin, dozens of firearms—including a fully automatic machine gun—and roughly $40,000 in cash. Authorities also intercepted multiple shipments destined for Canada and recovered narcotics allegedly stolen from rival trafficking organizations in Los Angeles.
Arrests Across Multiple Countries
The coordinated enforcement action led to the arrest of 24 suspects across the United States, Canada, and Europe, while seven additional defendants were already in custody.
Investigators also executed 50 federal search warrants, including 23 in the Sacramento region, 19 in Los Angeles, and seven in Canada.
Eleven arrests were made across California in Los Angeles, San Ysidro, Mentone, Fontana, Fresno, Manteca, Sacramento, Stockton, and San Jose. Additional arrests took place in Indiana, Georgia, Canada, and Spain.
Among those taken into custody was Gurlal Singh, whom authorities identified as one of the organization’s senior leaders. He was arrested by the FBI in Stockton.
Ongoing Investigation
Several victims named in the indictments remain unidentified under court-ordered pseudonyms, including the slain leader referred to as “H.S.N.” and another alleged extortion victim identified as “B.S.”
Authorities also continue investigating how Gurudev Singh allegedly gained access to unmonitored communications while in ICE detention.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow as prosecutors continue to pursue members of the alleged international criminal networks.