Washington, July 8: The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched its biggest-ever operation against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The operation, named “Operation Hard Ball,” involved more than 50 search warrants carried out in the US, Canada, and Spain. Authorities targeted an international criminal network allegedly involved in murder, extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, arms offences, and other organised crimes.
According to the DOJ, 37 people linked to three India-based criminal groups have been charged, while 10 suspects remain absconding. Officials said the operation is aimed at dismantling transnational organised crime networks operating across several countries.
The crackdown is being described as one of the largest international law enforcement actions against organised crime groups with links to India.