The U.S. Department of Justice has accused jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi of directing a decentralized crime syndicate that sought to murder a prominent Indian actor, identified as Salman Khan, to project power and instill fear. The revelation comes as part of a broader indictment against three transnational organized crime groups linked to Punjab.
Global Crackdown on Bishnoi Syndicate
On July 8, the DoJ announced charges against 37 individuals tied to syndicates operating across India, Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Of these, 24 have been arrested in the U.S., Canada, and Spain, while 10 remain at large—seven in the U.S., two in India, and one in Europe. The charges were filed in a California court in February 2026.
The Bishnoi syndicate, described as decentralized, allegedly recruited impoverished minors in India with promises of money, fame, and protection. New members received minimal pay for criminal acts, while loyal operatives were sent abroad on fraudulent visas to expand the group’s reach.
Extortion Scheme and Undercover Operation
Sukhraj Singh Kang, a senior member, coordinated violence and provided key evidence. In January 2025, Kang agreed to assist an undercover informant in extorting a supposed debtor—later revealed to be a law enforcement agent. The operation involved staged threats, including a fake shooting video, to intimidate the target.
Prosecutors state that subsequent communications, conducted in Punjabi and Hindi via WhatsApp and Signal, documented extortion demands, threats, and payment negotiations. The scheme culminated in controlled cash handovers in California involving Bishnoi associates.
