LOS ANGELES — A major international law-enforcement operation targeting alleged India-based organized crime networks has resulted in 37 defendants being charged, with 24 arrests reported across the United States, Canada and Europe, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The coordinated operation, named “Operation Hard Ball,” was announced on July 7, 2026, following a multi-year investigation into three alleged transnational criminal organizations accused of involvement in racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other serious offences. The cases are detailed in three separate federal indictments unsealed in the Central District of California.
Authorities said 11 arrests were made in California, with additional arrests in Indiana and Georgia. Three defendants were arrested in Canada and one in Spain, while seven others were already in custody before the operation. At the time of the announcement, investigators were also seeking fugitives in the United States, India and Europe.
The operation involved cooperation among U.S., Canadian and European law-enforcement agencies. Investigators reported seizing approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, $40,000 in cash and about a dozen firearms. Officials also said dozens of search warrants were executed in the Sacramento and Los Angeles areas.
The indictments describe three separate criminal enterprises allegedly operating across international borders, with networks and associates in North America, India and other regions. Prosecutors allege that the groups used intimidation, violence and extortion to expand their influence and finance criminal activities.
One indictment focuses on the alleged enterprise associated with Lawrence Bishnoi, who is imprisoned in India. U.S. prosecutors allege that Bishnoi continued directing criminal activities from prison through contraband mobile phones and internet-based communication devices. The indictment alleges that members and associates of the network were involved in murder plots, shootings, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking and other crimes.
Prosecutors identify Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, as an alleged North American leader of the Bishnoi enterprise, and Rohit Godara as an alleged European leader. The charges describe an organization that allegedly coordinated activities through regional leaders and associates operating in different countries.
A second indictment concerns the alleged criminal enterprise associated with Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, another imprisoned Indian gang figure. Prosecutors allege that this network engaged in murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, kidnappings, extortion and weapons-related offences. The indictment also alleges that members used connections with corrupt officials in India to target individuals and facilitate extortion schemes.
The third set of allegations outlines further criminal activity connected to these networks and their associates, including drug distribution and violence across the United States and Canada.
One of the most consequential allegations in the case concerns the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
U.S. prosecutors allege that the Bishnoi enterprise was connected to the assassination and that Bishnoi and Goldy Brar played roles in directing the alleged operation. The charges have brought renewed attention to the killing, which triggered a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and India.
The U.S. indictment presents these claims as allegations against the defendants. The charges do not establish guilt, and the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
According to prosecutors, the networks allegedly used encrypted messaging applications and other communications to threaten victims and demand money. The indictment describes alleged extortion attempts targeting individuals and families in California, including threats of violence against victims or their relatives.
Authorities also allege that the organizations were involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking and the theft of drug shipments from rival groups. Investigators cited seizures and intercepted shipments in Southern California as part of the broader inquiry into the networks’ alleged operations.
Prosecutors further allege that some members of the networks exploited vulnerable people within the Indian diaspora, using threats, coercion and intimidation to recruit associates or extract money. The investigation has raised concerns about the impact of transnational criminal activity on immigrant communities, including families who may fear retaliation for reporting threats.
U.S. authorities said the operation reflects an ongoing effort to disrupt organized crime groups that allegedly operate across national boundaries and use violence, drugs and extortion to sustain their activities.The investigation involved federal agencies, including the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration, alongside local police and international partners. Officials said further efforts were underway to locate remaining fugitives and pursue the cases through the courts.The charges represent allegations contained in federal indictments. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, July 7, 2026.