Canada Declares Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Entity, Citing Threats to Indian Diaspora

September 29, 2025

Canada has officially declared the Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity, a move that comes after growing pressure from both Conservative and NDP politicians concerned about safety and criminal activity linked to the group.

Led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in an Indian prison, the gang is believed to have orchestrated a number of crimes, including extortion and targeted attacks, from behind bars using a cellphone, according to reports.

This designation means that Canadians are now legally barred from providing any support, financial or otherwise, to the gang. Authorities will also be able to seize assets and freeze bank accounts connected to the group, as part of broader efforts to curb its reach in Canada.

Last year the RCMP accused India of using the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and acts of extortion targeting Canadians, particularly those who advocate for the creation of a separate Sikh country to be called Khalistan.

New Delhi has rejected those claims, and says it has instead been working with Ottawa to try to stop the gang’s financial flows to Canada.

The new designation allows authorities to seize property and freeze accounts, and Ottawa says this will help fight crime targeting prominent members of India’s diaspora in Canada.

Wesley Wark, a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation, has previously said that a terror listing likely won’t deter the gang, as Canada’s main issue is a lack of capacity in gathering criminal intelligence.