The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has charged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his close aide, Goldy Brar, in connection with the 2023 murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18, 2023. The agency has also announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Goldy Brar’s arrest as part of a major international crackdown on organised crime networks linked to India.
Nijjar’s killing led to a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed there were “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the murder. While Canada recognised Nijjar as a Canadian citizen, India had designated him as a Khalistani extremist and terrorist.
What Is Operation Hardball?
The FBI, along with law enforcement agencies from Canada and Europe, launched a coordinated crackdown called Operation Hardball. As part of the operation, authorities arrested 24 people allegedly linked to three India based organised crime groups, the Bishnoi Gang, Bhagwanpuria Gang, and Dhanda Gang. As part of the investigation, authorities arrested 17 people across three countries. Of these, 13 were arrested in the United States, three in Canada, and one in Spain. Among those arrested in the US, 11 were detained in California, while one each was arrested in Indiana and Georgia. Among those arrested in the US, 11 were detained in California, one in Indiana, and one in Georgia. Authorities are still searching for 10 fugitives, including seven believed to be in the US, two in India and one in Europe.
Why Is The FBI Offering A $50,000 Reward?
The FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Goldy Brar, who remains on the run. According to the agency, Brar is wanted for his alleged role in the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime network, which investigators say has been involved in violent crimes across the United States and Canada.
The #FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satinderjeet Singh, #wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group which is allegedly engaged in a variety of violent acts in Southern California, and across… pic.twitter.com/BdCxmELUKv
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) July 7, 2026
What Charges Does Goldy Brar Face?
According to the FBI, Goldy Brar faces several serious criminal charges, including being part of an organised crime network, extorting money by using threats or violence, attempting to carry out extortion, and conspiring to traffic illegal drugs. The FBI said its investigation into the criminal network is still ongoing.
