US Accuses Lawrence Bishnoi of Targeting Indian-Origin Individuals

The indictment, unsealed in a federal court, alleges Bishnoi orchestrated a network that operated across multiple countries, using violence and intimidation to extort money from Indian-origin business owners and professionals. The US Department of Justice said the syndicate also smuggled drugs into the United States, with proceeds funneled back to fund further criminal activities.

Prosecutors say Bishnoi, who is currently imprisoned in India on separate charges, directed hitmen to carry out targeted killings of individuals he perceived as threats or rivals. The indictment names several co-conspirators, including operatives based in the US, Canada, and Europe, who are accused of coordinating logistics and carrying out the syndicate's orders.

The charges include racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking, and extortion. If convicted, Bishnoi faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The US has not yet filed for his extradition, but legal experts say the indictment could pave the way for a formal request to India.

The case is part of a broader US crackdown on transnational criminal organizations that exploit Indian diaspora communities. Federal authorities have urged potential victims to come forward, emphasizing that the syndicate's reach has extended into several US states, including California, New York, and New Jersey.