Bishnoi Gang branded terrorist entity in Canada: How the move could shake extortion networks from Punjab to Toronto

Canada lists the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity, enabling asset freezes and tougher charges. We explain the designation and the gang’s track record in India and abroad.

Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, citing murder, shootings, arson, and terror through extortion and intimidation, including activity in Canadian diaspora hubs. The listing empowers authorities to freeze assets and pursue terrorism-linked offences tied to financing, travel, and recruitment.

What Ottawa’s designation practically does

Asset freezes and 'no-deal' rule: Canadian institutions must freeze property of the listed entity; anyone in Canada (and Canadians abroad) are barred from knowingly dealing with that property.

Criminal liability for support: Providing funds/services that you know will benefit a listed group is a criminal offence, alongside participation, facilitation, instructing, or recruiting for a terrorist group.

Sharper policing/financing tools: The listing bolsters law enforcement and financial intelligence actions against terrorism financing and related networks.

Immigration screening: The designation feeds into inadmissibility assessments under immigration law, affecting visas/status for linked individuals.

Who the Bishnoi Gang is, and how the network is described

Canadian authorities describe the Bishnoi Gang as a transnational criminal organisation rooted in India that creates a climate of insecurity by targeting prominent community members, businesses, and cultural figures, including in Canada. Canada.ca

Background reporting and official dossiers in India link the network to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and overseas associates, including Goldy Brar, with allegations spanning murder, extortion, and gun-running.

A quick legal primer: how groups get listed in Canada

Listings are made by Cabinet on the Public Safety Minister’s recommendation when there are reasonable grounds that a group has engaged in or supported terrorist activity; entities can seek review and judicial oversight.

The record: major cases and allegations tied to the Bishnoi network

Below is a documented, non-exhaustive ledger of significant cases attributed to the network by authorities and courts. Each item cites the primary public source.

India

Sidhu Moose Wala murder (Punjab, May 2022): Punjabi singer-rapper Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead near Mansa. Police and subsequent reporting linked the conspiracy to the Bishnoi network; associate Goldy Brar publicly claimed responsibility.

Threats and alleged extortion targeting Bollywood (Mumbai, 2023–2025): Bandra firing outside Salman Khan’s residence (April 2024): Mumbai Police arrested multiple accused; charge sheets name Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol as wanted in the conspiracy to intimidate the actor. Bail has been denied for at least one accused; proceedings continue under MCOCA.

Extortion calls to businesses (Delhi and NCR, ongoing): Police reports detail repeated threats and extortion demands made in the name of the Bishnoi gang; in some cases, arrests revealed copycats exploiting the brand, but investigations continue into genuine network operatives as well.

NIA cases and chargesheets (2023–2024): India’s National Investigation Agency has filed cases alleging a transnational network running murder-for-hire and extortion to finance violent acts, including claims of funds linked to separatist causes; these allegations are subject to trial.

Canada

Diaspora-linked intimidation and extortion (multiple provinces, 2024–2025): Canadian reporting and officials point to a pattern of extortion calls, firebombings and shootings targeting South Asian businesses and community figures, intensifying calls to list the gang; Ottawa’s September 29 designation reflects those concerns.

Why now: the security context in Canada

The listing follows months of pressure from provincial leaders and opposition MPs amid a spike in extortion and attacks against diaspora businesses and personalities. Ottawa’s move signals that authorities view the network’s tactics as terror-like coercion rather than 'just' organised crime, unlocking tougher offences and financial disruption tools.

Bottom line

Here’s the thing: Canada’s terror listing materially raises the cost of doing business for the Bishnoi network, especially money flows and logistics. But durability will depend on follow-through: freezing assets, making prosecutable financing cases, and coordinating with Indian counterparts on arrests and trials.