Canada province urges federal government to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang as terrorist organisation
Toronto: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has joined British Columbia Premier David Eby in urging the Canadian federal government to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation. The call comes amid growing concerns over the gang's alleged involvement in violent crimes and extortion across Canada.
In a statement issued on Monday, Smith and Alberta’s Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, described the Bishnoi gang as a “transnational criminal network” responsible for acts of violence, drug trafficking, and targeted killings — including incidents within Canada.
They said that designating the gang as a terrorist organisation would provide law enforcement with “critical powers” and additional resources needed to disrupt the gang’s operations and ensure public safety.
BC Premier David Eby had made a similar request to Ottawa in June, citing concerns over the gang’s growing influence in Canadian cities.
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree responded to questions about the designation last week, saying the decision depends on meeting a “legal threshold.” He confirmed the matter is under review by law enforcement.
The Bishnoi gang has been linked to a series of extortion threats and violent crimes in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. However, recent reports have complicated the picture. According to a CBC News investigation, individuals arrested earlier this month in Edmonton in connection with an extortion ring were linked to the Brothers Keepers gang, not the Bishnoi outfit.
Adding to the uncertainty, Corporal Sarbjit Sangha of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) told News Derby that Bishnoi’s name does not appear in their database of major gangs operating in the province. “So far, I don’t believe I’ve seen any evidence that would tell us that the person you’ve named -[Lawrence Bishnoi] has any connection with the groups that are working here,” she said in Punjabi.
However, Sangha clarified that the ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is separate. The RCMP is leading a nationwide task force into extortion-related crimes, and the Bishnoi gang is reportedly under scrutiny as part of that effort.
