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

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have unsealed three major indictments charging 37 individuals connected to three India-based transnational organized crime groups. The groups are accused of engaging in widespread racketeering, extortion, targeted killings, and drug trafficking.

The indictments allege that the criminal networks specifically targeted members of the Indian diaspora in the United States for extortion and violence. Prosecutors said the groups operated across multiple states and used threats of harm to family members in India to coerce victims into paying large sums of money.

Among the charges are multiple counts of murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault. Authorities say the groups also trafficked drugs including heroin and methamphetamine, funneling proceeds back to India.

The cases were investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from Indian law enforcement. The defendants are expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.