Operation Hard Ball explained: U.S. and Canadian authorities target alleged Indian crime syndicates
Operation Hard Ball targets alleged Indian-linked syndicates behind extortion See how U.S. and Canadian authorities are escalating a cross-border crackdown
Canadian and U.S. authorities have announced a major enforcement action called Operation Hard Ball, which targets alleged Indianlinked crime syndicates accused of extortion, drug trafficking, murder and other offenses.
The case includes accusations against Lawrence Bishnoi, who is said to have directed criminal activity from prison in India through associates in North America. Prosecutors allege his network was involved in extortion cases in Canada, as well as the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
The operation also names other alleged associates and separate groups linked to drug trafficking. Three men arrested in British Columbia are expected to face extradition proceedings in the United States, where authorities say they could face severe penalties if convicted.