US Accuses India-Based Gangs of Murder, Extortion Against Diaspora

The indictments, unsealed in federal court in Los Angeles, allege the groups operated as transnational criminal enterprises, using violence and threats to extort money from Indian nationals and diaspora members in the United States and Canada.

Prosecutors said the gangs, based in India, coordinated with associates in North America to carry out murders, attempted murders, and kidnappings. The charges include racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking, with some defendants accused of using encrypted messaging apps to plan crimes.

According to court documents, the groups targeted victims for ransom, often threatening harm to family members in India if payments were not made. In one case, an alleged extortion attempt led to a shooting outside a victim's home in California.

The investigation, led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, involved coordination with international law enforcement. Officials said the arrests were part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks exploiting the diaspora.

The defendants face charges that carry potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. Authorities said additional arrests are possible as the investigation continues.