US Accuses Lawrence Bishnoi of Targeting Indian-Origin Individuals

The indictment, unsealed in a federal court, charges Bishnoi with racketeering, narcotics conspiracy, and murder-for-hire, alleging he directed operations from prison that extended to the United States.

Prosecutors say the syndicate extorted money from Indian-origin business owners and celebrities, using threats of violence and kidnapping, and also trafficked drugs across international borders.

The charges stem from a multi-year investigation by US federal agents who linked several shootings and assassination plots in North America to Bishnoi's organization.

Bishnoi, already serving a life sentence in India for murder, faces potential extradition to the US if convicted, though legal experts note that extradition from India is a complex process.

The US Justice Department said the indictment reflects a commitment to dismantling transnational criminal networks that threaten American communities.