Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
Federal, local and international authorities have arrested 24 alleged members of transnational organized crime groups, including several who are believed to be tied to the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist outside a Canadian temple.
As part of “Operation Hard Ball,” authorities have made arrests in the United States, Canada and Europe, including eight people in Southern California, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Three separate federal indictments lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking. Authorities said they had seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin, along with $40,000 in cash and a dozen firearms.
Thirty-seven people have been charged in the Central District of California, according to the indictments.
Among those charged is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, who allegedly personally directed political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crimes from his jail cell in India.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine allegedly linked to Indian organized crime groups that was seized by authorities on Sept. 18, 2023.
(U.S. District Court)
Bishnoi and a childhood friend, Satinderjeet Singh, allegedly ordered the June 2023 assassination of a prominent religious and political leader from the Punjab state of India who was living in British Columbia. Although authorities identified the victim only by his initials, H.S.N., media reports identify him as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A co-conspirator of the group allegedly contacted a California resident — identified only by their initials S.S. — in Fontana, referenced the June 2023 murder and threatened to meet them at their upcoming immigration hearing.
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows cocaine and heroin seized by authorities as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations whose leaders are based in India.
(U.S. District Court)
Singh and Rohit Godara, who is also charged, allegedly claimed responsibility in a Facebook post for the December 2024 murder of a man — identified by his initials S.Y. — in Stockton. The online post allegedly warned, in Punjabi, “[a]ll our enemies, be prepared, any corner of the world you reach, we will reach there.”
The news outlet CalMatters previously identified the victim as Sunil Yadav, an Indian national and a suspected member of the Bishnoi gang.
Another indictment charges Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a 38-year-old former associate of Bishnoi who allegedly developed his own independent criminal network that grew to rival Bishnoi‘s gang. Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.
Bhagwanpuria’s group allegedly had multiple drug smuggling networks in California, each managed by a different regional leader. Drug loads — which typically contained 100 kilograms or more of cocaine or methamphetamine — were allegedly collected in Southern California in passenger vehicles and then transferred to long-haul semitrucks for transportation to the eastern U.S. or the U.S.-Canada border.
Bhagwanpuria’s group, which is said to include more than 100 members and associates in the U.S., allegedly “corrupted law enforcement officers in India and partnered with corrupt government officials, including to assist in extortion schemes,” according to the indictment. The group allegedly provided false information to law enforcement officers in India, triggering “baseless criminal proceedings as well as extortion plots by corrupt Indian law enforcement officers against perceived rivals.”
An image taken from a federal court indictment shows a short-barreled semiautomatic ghost gun rifle and 30 rounds seized in a parking lot in Bakersfield on on Oct. 7, 2025.
(U.S. District Court)
Members of Bhagwanpuria’s crime group are accused of kidnapping and assaulting an associate in California who was believed to have stolen a drug load.
The indictment charging Bhagwanpuria also details members of the organized crime group selling semiautomatic rifles, a machine gun and pistols in parking lots across Southern California.
A third indictment lays out charges against Ravinder Singh Dhanda, who allegedly operated a cocaine and meth distribution network that provided international smuggling services to drug traffickers in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
Federal, local and international officials are expected to provide more details on the federal charges and arrests at a Tuesday morning news conference.
