The Canadian government has officially classified the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code. This designation prohibits Canadians from providing financial or material support to the group and grants authorities the power to freeze assets, seize property, and pursue criminal charges against its members.

 

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the move provides law enforcement with “enhanced tools to tackle a group that has spread fear through violence and intimidation.” The gang, originating from Rajasthan and led by Lawrence Bishnoi, operates as a transnational criminal network.

 

Active in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, the gang has been connected to more than 50 violent incidents since 2023. These include firebomb attacks on the homes of Punjabi musicians A P Dhillon and Gippy Grewal, a shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma’s café in Surrey in August, and extensive extortion schemes targeting South Asian communities.

 

The designation comes after months of political and community advocacy. British Columbia Premier David Eby urged Prime Minister Mark Carney in June to take action, describing the gang’s activity as “state-sponsored terror on our soil.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made a similar appeal in July. Municipal leaders, including Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, also supported the move. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre highlighted the issue in connection with his crime platform, while NDP MPs voiced their backing. Shadow Public Safety Minister Frank Caputo formally requested the designation on August 11.