WASHINGTON: Law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada and Europe have launched a major crackdown on Indian organized crime networks, resulting in the arrest of 24 suspects and the indictment of 37 individuals, according to U.S. authorities.
Officials said the coordinated operation, codenamed Operation HARD BALL, targeted three Indian criminal organizations allegedly involved in extortion, drug trafficking, contract killings, kidnappings and illegal firearms trafficking.
During the operation, authorities seized nearly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, large amounts of cash and multiple weapons.
Patrick Grinde, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said the criminal groups had spread “violence, fear and instability” within the East Indian community in California and other regions.
According to U.S. officials, 24 individuals were taken into custody, while 37 suspects were formally charged as part of the investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the indictments include two alleged gang leaders who, despite being imprisoned in India, continued to direct international criminal operations from behind bars.
Authorities added that 10 suspects remain at large, including seven believed to be in the United States, one in Europe and two in India.
U.S. investigators also alleged that the network’s suspected kingpin, Lawrence Bishnoi, continued to issue instructions for criminal activities from an Indian prison using satellite phones and internet-based communication.
