US Says Bishnoi Ran Global Gang From Jail

US federal prosecutors have alleged that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi directed a vast transnational criminal enterprise from an Indian prison, using contraband mobile phones and internet-based communication devices to oversee murders, extortion, drug trafficking and other crimes across multiple countries.

The allegations are contained in a federal racketeering indictment unsealed on Tuesday (local time) as part of 'Operation Hard Ball', a multinational crackdown targeting three organised crime groups operating across North America, Europe and other regions.

Prosecutors allege gang was run from prison

According to the indictment, Bishnoi began building his network while studying at university in Punjab, initially presenting himself as a student leader before turning to organised crime.

The charging document alleges that after his arrest by Indian authorities in 2015, Bishnoi continued to control the organisation from prison.

Prosecutors claim he used contraband mobile phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices smuggled into jail to direct political assassinations, murders, shootings, kidnappings, extortion, narcotics trafficking and human smuggling carried out by members of the organisation.

Network allegedly expanded across several countries

The indictment alleges the organisation expanded beyond India and established networks in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.

US authorities claim the organisation had thousands of members and associates worldwide, including hundreds based in the United States and Canada.

Recruitment targeted vulnerable youth

According to prosecutors, the organisation projected Bishnoi as a patriot, nationalist and religious figure through social media posts and media interviews to attract followers.

The indictment further alleges that the gang recruited vulnerable young people, particularly in Punjab, by promising money, protection and notoriety.

It claims that some recruits were later sent to countries including the United States and Canada on student or foreign worker visas, in some cases allegedly using fraudulent documentation.

Decentralised structure to evade law enforcement

Federal prosecutors allege the criminal enterprise deliberately adopted a decentralised structure in which lower-ranking members knew little about one another, making the organisation more resilient if arrests were made.

The indictment also alleges that members who attempted to cooperate with law enforcement or leave the organisation were threatened with violence against themselves or their family members in India.

Enterprise accused of violence and extortion

The indictment accuses Bishnoi of leading a criminal enterprise involved in targeted killings, extortion, narcotics trafficking and human smuggling, while allegedly using high-profile acts of violence to enhance the gang's reputation and intimidate victims in India and among Indian diaspora communities overseas.

Prosecutors further allege that proceeds from the organisation's criminal activities were distributed across the network and channelled back to members in India.

The allegations are contained in a federal indictment, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.