Full Breakdown
Extortion Incidents Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang in British Columbia
12/10/2025, 1:53:50 AM
Overview of the Incidents
Vikram Sharma, a 24-year-old Indian national, is implicated in two significant extortion-related incidents in British Columbia while residing in Canada on an expired student visa. Court records indicate that Sharma's visa, which allowed him entry into Canada in June 2022, expired in April 2024. He allegedly utilized fraudulent documents in an attempt to renew his visa prior to the incidents. Sharma is currently believed to be in India after fleeing Canada on October 9, 2024, following violent attacks in Surrey and on Vancouver Island.
Details of the Attacks
Sharma, along with co-accused Abjeet Kingra, is accused of carrying out orders from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization based in India. The duo allegedly set fire to vehicles and fired shots into the home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon on September 2, 2024. This attack was reportedly motivated by Dhillon's collaboration with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been targeted by the Bishnoi gang for his past actions against the community.
During the attack, Kingra fired 14 rounds into Dhillon's residence while Sharma filmed the incident. The violent nature of the crime was captured on security cameras, leading to public outrage and a swift police response. Following the attack, the pair attempted to evade law enforcement but were stopped by an RCMP officer shortly after the incident. They managed to escape but later abandoned their vehicle.
Legal Proceedings and Immigration Status
Sharma's immigration status was revealed during a bail hearing for Kingra, who has since been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the attacks. Crown prosecutor Jess Patterson noted that Sharma was a foreign national in Canada without legal status at the time of the offenses. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated investigations into 96 foreign nationals related to extortion threats, although specific details about those targeted have not been disclosed due to privacy concerns.
Criticism and Broader Implications
The violent actions of Sharma and Kingra highlight a growing concern regarding organized crime and extortion in Canada, particularly involving foreign nationals. The federal government designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity in September 2024, citing targeted violence and intimidation against specific communities. Critics argue that the ongoing extortion crisis reflects broader issues within Canada's immigration system, as the CBSA has acknowledged losing track of over 30,000 individuals believed to be in the country illegally.
Official Statements
In court, Patterson emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "At the time of the offence, Mr. Sharma was a foreign national in Canada with no status." Additionally, Kingra's lawyer acknowledged his client's poor choices, noting, "He fell in with the wrong crowd and became involved with the co-accused, Vikram Sharma."
Verbatim Quotes
- “At the time of the offence, Mr. Sharma was a foreign national in Canada with no status,” — Jess Patterson, Crown Prosecutor
- “I did a horrible and terrifying thing that could lead to harm, injured or kill someone that was never my intention,” — Abjeet Kingra, Co-accused
The cases of Sharma and Kingra serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Canadian authorities in addressing organized crime and the complexities of immigration enforcement.
