Latest news with #LawrenceBishnoiGang
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Edmonton police investigating new reports of extortion targeting South Asian community
Edmonton police are looking into a new round of threats and extortion attempts against members of the city's South Asian community. Six incidents, including at least one arson, have been reported since early June, according to interim Edmonton police Chief Devin Laforce. It comes nearly a year after arrests in the "Project Gaslight" investigation put an end to months of fear over threats, followed by arsons and shootings, targeting South Asian home builders in the Edmonton area. Laforce said Thursday that the latest incidents seem to be separate from the Project Gaslight crimes, but there's "some association and some linkages." He added that the pattern of extortions is similar, with calls or messages — sometimes over the platform WhatsApp — demanding money. While the investigation is still underway, police believe the recent extortions are linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The criminal organization based in India has been in the news recently, with B.C. Premier David Eby and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown calling on the federal government to designate the group a terrorist organization. Alberta's premier and public safety minister issued their own statement in support of the move on Monday. Laforce said it's something Edmonton Police Service would also like to see. "These crimes go across the country," he said. "And certainly in Alberta, as we're impacted as well, looking at the potential different powers and authorities or investigative techniques that could afford … is certainly something that we're in support of." Kash Heed, a former West Vancouver police chief and B.C. solicitor-general, said he sees the idea as a "political move" that's unlikely to help. He said police agencies like EPS, which have made arrests in extortion investigations, are getting results from investigations on the ground. He puts more importance on establishing trust and communication with the local community. "When I look at that, I see no value at this point of announcing Lawrence Bishnoi, giving him an automatic rise in notoriety by labelling him a terrorist organization." The Bishnoi gang's founder and namesake has been in jail in India for the last decade. Heed said it's also possible that extortion suspects in Canada are using the infamy of the Bishnoi name without a meaningful link to the organization. "That's kind of the added part of instilling that fear when you're going after, extorting, South Asian people that have been successful in businesses." The Bishnoi gang hasn't been publicly mentioned in relation to the Project Gaslight investigation. When one of the young men arrested in that case pleaded guilty this year, court documents indicated some of the alleged players in the extortion scheme were linked to B.C.-based gang Brothers Keepers. Laforce said EPS is bringing in resources from Calgary police and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) for the new extortion investigation. Community liaison constables are also working to connect with people and encourage them to report any concerns. "Obviously, when you're dealing with an extortion, they're preying on that fear of violence," he said. "When you have somebody that's scared, and they're seeing violence that's actually occurring, how can you blame them for being scared? So what we just have to say is ... help give us some of that information so that we can follow up investigatively to build in that public safety that's needed by actually holding these people accountable." EPS is holding a town hall at the Southwood Community Hall on July 28 to give an update on the investigation and address community concerns. WATCH | New reports of extortion targeting Edmonton's South Asian community:
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bedouins Break Truce, Netanyahu Claims Victory As Syria's Sweida Braces For New Bloodshed
Canada's Alberta Province Asks Carney Govt For 'Terrorist' Label On Lawrence Bishnoi Gang A second Canadian province has formally urged the Country's federal government to declare the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation, a move that could strengthen India's case for extradition and action against wanted gangsters like Goldy Brar. On July 14, Premier of Canada's Alberta province Danielle Smith and the province's minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, issued a joint statement seeking the designation of the Bishnoi gang as a terror entity under Canadian law. "The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent," the statement said. India has repeatedly called on Canada to take action against gangsters like Goldy Brar, a key figure in the Bishnoi network and a prime suspect in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. #lawrencebishnoi #goldybrar #canada #india #extradition #terroristdesignation #alberta #gangsters #sidhumoosewala #canadaindia #toi #toibharat 6.2K views | 2 days ago
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Canada: Alberta Premier urges Carney to designate Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as 'terrorist entity'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called on the Canadian federal government to classify the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its links to violent crime in Canada and abroad read more Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has urged the Canadian federal government to formally designate the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang—a group that has claimed responsibility for the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and other high-profile figures in India—as a terrorist organisation. In a statement shared on X on Tuesday (July 15), Smith described the gang as a 'transnational criminal network' engaged in violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and targeted killings both within Canada and internationally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent,' Smith stated. The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent. We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and… — Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) July 15, 2025 She emphasised that designating the gang as a terrorist entity would 'unlock critical powers,' enabling provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources to effectively disrupt its operations and safeguard communities. 'The time for action is now. Alberta's government is calling on the federal government and Prime Minister @MarkJCarney to take a stand and act to protect Albertans and all Canadians,' she added. Earlier in June, British Columbia Premier David Eby had also urged federal action against the Bishnoi gang, warning that the group's influence spans British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, with a particular focus on members of the South Asian community. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highlighting a pattern of transnational organised crime, Eby noted that current law enforcement powers may be insufficient and argued that a terrorist designation would empower police with stronger legal tools to counter the threat.
New Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Alberta calls upon Canadian federal government to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang as 'terrorist group'
CHANDIGARH: After British Columbia (BC), now Alberta is the second province in Canada that has called upon the Canadian federal government to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group, as it is being accused of carrying out 'targeted killings' in the country. In a joint statement issued on July 14, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis stated, "The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent.'' "We stand with B.C. Premier David Eby and other officials across Canada in calling for immediate federal action. The federal government must use every tool available to dismantle this network and keep Canadians safe,'' they added. "We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and respects no borders, and Alberta wants to send a clear message: you are not welcome here. Formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity will unlock critical powers, allowing provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people,'' the statement said. 'We are committed to taking action to keep terrorist organisations, gangs and violent criminals from targeting and exploiting the people of Alberta. South Asian communities in Alberta and across Canada have been disproportionately targeted and affected by this threat,'' they said. The statement concluded, "The time for action is now. Alberta's government is asking the federal government and Prime Minister Mark Carney to join them in taking a stand and acting to protect Albertans and all Canadians.'' The Bishnoi gang has been linked to extortion attempts in BC, Alberta and Ontario.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Alberta premier urges Canadian PM to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang as ‘terrorist entity'
The Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, has called on the Canadian federal government to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist group. Taking to X on Monday, Smith released a statement emphasising that the gang is a 'transnational criminal network' responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings in Canada and globally. 'The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent,' Smith said. The Alberta Premier also said that formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity 'will unlock critical powers, allowing provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people'. 'The time for action is now. Alberta's government is asking the federal government and Prime Minister @MarkJCarney join them in taking a stand and act to protect Albertans and all Canadians,' she said. The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent. We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and… — Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) July 15, 2025 Declare Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist group, says BC premier Earlier in June, British Columbia Premier David Eby had called for urgent federal action against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, stating that the group's alleged operations extend across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, particularly targeting members of the South Asian community. Citing a pattern of transnational organised crime, he said that existing law enforcement powers may fall short, and a terrorist designation would allow police to use enhanced legal tools. 'This is a serious step,' Eby said. 'It gives police significant investigative tools. We don't make this recommendation lightly, but this activity strikes at public confidence in the justice system, in our democracy and in the safety of the community, and it erodes public confidence in the rule of law.' 'They need additional tools to respond to the fact that this is transnational organised crime,' he added. 'This is more in the nature of terrorism than it is traditional crime. The community is terrified, and action needs to be taken.' National Investigation Agency (NIA) has described Lawrence Bishnoi as running a 'terror syndicate' from Indian jails, with operations extending to Canada through local associates. The Bishnoi gang has been under increased scrutiny since the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, which its members allegedly orchestrated.
