What is Operation Hard Ball? FBI targets Lawrence Bishnoi network across US, Canada, Europe over killing of…, offers $50000 reward for Goldy Brar, seize 1000 kg cocaine, firearms and…

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with law enforcement agencies in Canada and Europe, has launched a major operation targeting the alleged international crime network linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The mission, named Operation Hardball, has resulted in 24 arrests across the United States, Canada, and Europe as authorities intensify their crackdown on transnational organised crime.

According to the US Attorney’s Office, the operation is the outcome of a years-long investigation into India-based criminal syndicates allegedly involved in racketeering, targeted killings, extortion, shootings, and international drug trafficking.

So far, 37 defendants, including Lawrence Bishnoi, have been charged under three indictments that were unsealed on July 7, 2026. Among those arrested are 13 people in the United States, including 11 in California, one in Indiana, and one in Georgia.

What is Operation Hardball?

Operation Hardball is a covert investigation launched after the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, on June 18, 2023. The FBI alleges that Bishnoi’s organised crime network was involved in the assassination.

Following Nijjar’s death, then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were linked to the killing. India strongly rejected those claims. While the United States supported Canada’s investigation and urged cooperation, it did not independently confirm Canada’s allegations against the Indian government.

First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said the accused targeted people in the US who still had family ties in India. He alleged that one accused, a senior police official, threatened a Los Angeles-based family with false murder charges against their relatives in India unless they paid $400,000.

What has the FBI recovered during the operation?

Authorities said the operation led to the seizure of around 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin, nearly $40,000 in cash, and around a dozen firearms. Investigators also carried out 34 search warrants, including 23 in the Sacramento area and 11 in Los Angeles.

The FBI said three suspects were arrested in Canada, one in Spain, while seven others were already in custody. Officials are still searching for 10 fugitives, including two believed to be in India.

The agency has also announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, who is wanted for his alleged role in the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group.